Bega boxer Jack Cullinan was over the moon about winning his first amateur bout in Canberra over the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“It felt reallly good, like one of those on top of the world moments,” Cullinan said.
Cullinan defeated NSW’s Htoodoh Soe on a points decision after three rounds.
“I’m actually glad with that because apparently a few people thought i would lose because my opponent has a lot of experience with sparring,” Cullinan said.
It’s a result 12 months in the making as Cullinan has been training with Bega boxing coach Ray Ryan.
Ryan said he couldn’t be happier with the result as Cullinan showed exceptional form and some fancy footwork.
“We're very proud of him - he did everything we talked about and it was a very good fight,” Ryan said.
“He boxed extremely well and it was a really controlled win.
“it was pretty exciting to have such a good win on your first bout and he knows in his heart that he won because he fought so well.”
Ryan went on to say that Cullinan had shown some excellent movement in the ring, stepping some heavy punches, but quickly going on the counter-offensive.
“The plan was to keep him out with my jab and try and land combinations,” Cullinan said.
“He would try and get close to me and hit me with fast hooks but most the time i blocked it and countered with a jab.”
Ryan agreed with the sentiment saying Cullinan was in control throughout, especially given it was his first bout.
“You've got to put him in a position where you can hit him without taking that hit back - it's like a chess game in that regard,” Ryan said.
“When the guy was about to load up he'd step back and then let him swing and come back in and open fire.”
Ryan said family, friends and himself as a coach were extremely impressed and proud of Cullinan’s effort in the ring.
For a lot of boxers, the first bout can be a daunting experience, but the young Bega boxer was metered and agile throughout.
It’s something he can be proud of and the result has him buzzing to go into his next challenge.
There is nothing on the cards yet, but Cullinan is excited to take up the task.
“I hope I get to fight again soon, I’m really pumped for it,” he said.
Ryan said he couldn’t be happier as a coach and was also looking forward to Cullinan’s next bout.
“He did so well in this fight, I’m really proud of his efforts and can’t wait to see him in the next one which will hopefully be soon,” Ryan said.