Boxing Unwrapped: Féile an Phobail Fight Night Recap
Holly Lennon
"I live a stone throw away from the Falls Park; I'll be walking up with my bags, fighting and walking back home,” says Conor Quinn during the press conference at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.
His statement perfectly analogises what the Féile and Conlan Boxing set out to do; celebrate local talent in an accessible way and at a global level.
An unprecedented visit from a 'person from Porlock' caused my lateness to the event, missing a series of admirable victories from Gerard Hughes, James Freeman, Lewis Crocker, Kieran Molloy, Conor Quinn, Fearghus Quinn and Tokyo Olympian Kurt Walker.
The success of local talent continued as Sean McComb defended his WBO European super-lightweight title for a second time.
His fans were behind him the entire way, quite literally, as the West Belfast fighter made the walk from Trinity Lodge Bar in the company of his supporters. He touched the hands and hearts of the crowd as he walked into the ring along to 'Nothing Compares 2 U' by the treasured Sinead O'Connor.
It is hard to believe that the sentimental walk-in was devised by the same fighter who iconically chicken-danced into a previous fight with the quirky song 'Surfin' Bird', popularised by Family Guy.
Further emblemising Irish pride, Mccomb wore Irish tri-colour shorts as he prevailed in the skilful performance with a unanimous point win against Alejandro Moya (97-93, 97-93, 99-92).
IBO light-heavyweight champion Pádraig McCrory followed and undoubtedly provided a night to remember. He secured Ryan McMullan to sing his hit song 'Belfast City' as a live performance while he shadow-boxed into the ring.
The lyrics of 'Belfast City' fit both the venue and atmosphere: "The times have changed, I know it rains, but it's always pretty".
The times have certainly changed for headliner McCrory. During the press conference of days past, he reminisced when Falls Park was a popular social gathering point for local youths; his stories swathed in nostalgia. He reflected on the memories provoked by the venue:
"Falls Park is a place where we might have gone for a few carry-outs and had a few 'fair digs' in, but this time I get paid there to go and fight. It's amazing going there in front of friends and family".
Rain graced the main card, and the crowd practised footwork to avoid sinking into the mud. One could differentiate between the former park-goers by their sensible footwear to the novices who sided with sandals.
Those who came prepared took to coloured ponchos to protect themselves, and people gave away their spares like contraband.
Admittedly with my blue hooded, ankle-length poncho, I resembled the off-license bag referenced in the notorious 'Graveyard' video taken in the cemetery next to Falls Park fourteen years prior. So despite the well-received drinks van, carry-outs remained the theme for the night.
McCrory's match against his worthy opponent Steed Woodall brought children to the outer walls of the park. The young fans peeked over the wall and popped up and down like prairie dogs at the occasional approach of security.
The only caveat is that they were restricted to single-handed gestures as they cheered for their home hero with one hand and kept their balance with the other. Their improvised 'seating' was worth the climb as they observed McCrory's dexterous right hook in the eighth round.
The swelling McCrory endured to his eye was a testament to Woodall's effort, but the St James' fighter persevered and came out as a clear and deserved winner on the scorecards.
Ultimately, 'The Hammer' broke wood, as McCrory emerged from the super-middleweight battle on a unanimous decision against the determined Woodall (96-93, 96-93, 98-92).
Holly Lennon is an MA Literary Studies student and a Boxing Columnist for The Scoop