Mayo boxer wins flyweight title belt
JENNIFER Pacuret has been keeping very busy with both kickboxing and boxing training. Jennifer was due to fight for a WKA Irish title last month but due to her opponent pulling out with an injury her fight plans were put on hold.
But all her preparation was not in vain as an opportunity arose to box for a flyweight title belt in Belfast. Jennifer boxed in the Devenish Complex Belfast early last July against a very tough Gemma Crone from Conerstone Boxing Academy. This fight was awarded the fight of the tournament with both ladies giving it their all. Gemma had her hand raised in victory in their first encounter, which made the Cornerstone boxer favourite going into this title fight.
Over the past four weeks, Jennifer only trained in boxing and put her kickboxing training on hold. Her dedication to training is an inspiration to all students in Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club. Jennifer often cycles a round trip of 43km to and from training three evenings a week.
The Clayton Hotel, Belfast, was packed with Cornerstone supporters, all there to cheer on the hot favourite Gemma Crone. This did not phase the very cool and calm Mayo boxer, who was ready and well-prepared for four rounds of boxing.
From the first bell, both girls went toe to toe over the deafening roars of the Belfast supporters. Gemma came out very strong, but Jennifer weathered the storm for the first minute then went to work and started landing some very heavy right hands that struck her opponent, knocking her back several times, the bell saving the Belfast boxer from a standing count.
In the second round, it was the Mayo boxer who came out all guns blazing. This was a very one-sided affair as Jennifer kept moving forward with very accurate and powerful shots causing the ref the step in with a standing eight count. Jennifer’s fitness was just too much for her older opponent with the bell saving the Belfast boxer once again.
As the girls returned to their corners after the second round, Gemma decided she was out of her depth this time with the fitter and more determined Jennifer Pacuret and retired in her corner. Jennifer had both hands raised as she was awarded the new flyweight boxing champion belt.
Coaches Phelim Halligan and Stephen Foster would like to thank promoter Jordan Woods for organising and giving Jennifer the opportunity to fight for this title. All of the Claremorris team were looked after by Jordan who made their stay in Belfast one to remember.