Falkirk Phoenix boxers make their mark at two shows with impressive results
It was an action-packed weekend for Falkirk Phoenix Boxing Club, who had four boxers and an official in action across two shows.
The club, who recently moved to their new base at the Mariner Centre, made their presence felt at both the Doghouse Show at the Riviera on Lux in Fallin and the Sparta Show at Grangemouth Stadium.
Corey Sreenan was the busiest of the bunch, competing twice over the weekend. On Friday, he boxed impressively at the Doghouse Show in a tight and competitive bout against Rio Martin (Kilsyth Golden Gloves), narrowly losing on points but showing clear progress and ringcraft.
Then, on Saturday at the Sparta Show, Corey stepped in at the last minute to save the day for his younger brother Robin Sreenan, whose opponent had withdrawn due to injury. The brothers put on a lively and skilful exhibition bout, full of sibling rivalry and entertainment, to celebrate Robin’s 14th birthday in style.
At the same Grangemouth event, Robbie Shanks produced a strong performance against Deryn Farrer (Meadowbank BC) in a thrilling contest. After a close first round, Shanks found his rhythm in the second and dominated the third with sharp, accurate shots to both head and body. Despite appearing to do enough, the judges awarded a close points win to Farrer - a decision that surprised both Shanks’ corner and the crowd.
Back at the Doghouse Show, Shane Montague earned his first win in a return match against Mikey Taylor (Doghouse BC). Their first meeting had been a crowd favourite, and this rematch didn’t disappoint.
Both boxers displayed great skill and determination, but Montague’s persistence and cleaner work in the final round secured the victory – and he was deservedly named Best Away Boxer, with the bout voted Best Contest of the Night.
In an unusual twist, club coach Stevie Morrison was the only referee on duty at the Sparta Show, officiating all 15 bouts, including those featuring his own boxers.
Phoenix coach and GB star boxer Stephanie Kernachan summed up the weekend, saying: “It’s been a great weekend of action for the club. Activity is key for young boxers, and everyone performed well. Losses are learning opportunities, and the attitude from all the boxers - especially Robbie and Shane - and it shows how much they’re developing. Robbie’s reaction to what was an odd call was brilliant.”