GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE AS KURT DOES FERMOY PROUD IN THE US
“There was dead heat. We knew it was going to be a very tough night between the ropes,” John Bowes told The Avondhu, as he recalled his son Kurt’s tough but successful recent boxing matches in Chicago. Kurt Bowes was successful against Okoi Ofem on the Wednesday night of last week in Chicago.
The Avondhu asked Kurt if this victory made him more confident going into the fight on Friday night.
“No, I was very nervous, and the heat was unreal. There was no air conditioning in the hall,” he said.
Bowes was up against the much fancied Zak Martinez on the Friday night, who had a very impressive record, but, despite the soaring heat, Kurt kept his cool and beat Martinez to become one of only four Cork boxers to produce the goods and win in both tournaments claiming two gold medals.
When the tournaments ended, Kurt and the rest of the boxers and their coaches were taken on a cultural trip that included sightseeing in Michigan, a visit to the Navy Pier in Chicago and a fun trip to the Six Flags American Theme Park. There was a full itinerary for the week and they had a fantastic time.
The Avondhu asked Kurt what’s next on the agenda now he has achieved what he set out to do in Chicago. “I am having a rest until August,” he said.
“Yes, back training in August for the national championships in April,” his dad John added.
“The 2016 Olympics are the ultimate goal,” John told The Avondhu.
Kurt’s other coach, Paul Buttimer boxed in the ‘92 Olympics, so the Fermoy lad would like to follow in his footsteps in 2016. The Avondhu offers congratulations to Kurt on his fantastic achievement and hope that he will do the same in 2016!
Published:
Thursday 24th June 6:25pm
