By Daniel Noble
ENLER Boxing Club’s Ellie McClurg beat two-time Irish national champion Ellie Kieron to claim the Cuchulainn International Boxfest title in Dundalk.
The 13 year-old automatically qualified for the decider at the DKIT Fitness Centre after her semi-final opponent pulled out, leaving only Kieron standing in the way of glory.
Despite losing the first round to an opponent one year her senior, McClurg bounced back to dominate the fight and win by way of a 4-1 split decision.
It was a landmark moment for the young fighter, securing a maiden title success, and it was made all the more special by the presence of her coach and stepdad, Marc Fleming, in her corner.
Fleming, who will challenge Clones Boxing Club’s Paddy Ferris for the semi-pro IIBU heavyweight title on October 24, has boxed to a high level himself, but he has explained how his stepdaughter’s achievement stands above the rest.
“This means everything to us. Over the past year, there’s been a lot of lows, fall outs and arguments between us, but when Ellie hugged me after her title win, we both said ‘all the arguments were worth it,’ and they definitely were,” Fleming admitted.
“I’ve won Ulster and Irish titles and was due to turn professional before suffering an injury, but this is my proudest moment in boxing and my biggest achievement as a coach.”
Despite recently joining Enler, McClurg is already serving as an inspiration for the club’s younger members, and although she has only been boxing for three years, Fleming believes she has the ability to forge a career in the sport.
“Ellie and her clubmates, Zac Foster and Bobbie Boardman, have become role models within the club, helping to drive it forward, and the young ones are looking up to them. They’re the perfect example.
“I believe Ellie can go all the way,” he stated. “She has already said ‘I’m going to be professional one day’ and I truly think she will.”
“When it comes to sparring, she can mix it with anyone. Some of the lads have even said she gives them as hard a spar as anyone.”
In fact, the move to Enler has been the catalyst for McClurg finding that extra gear in the hunt for titles, and Fleming has paid testament to what has been a real team effort.
“Her mum, Rachel, has joined the club as a coach, and none of this would be possible without her keeping Ellie disciplined and on top of her nutrition,” he added.
“The move to Enler has been massive for Ellie’s progress. The head coach, Jonny Hunter, has been a big help. I let Jonny work with her, which allows me to observe and identify any mistakes or habits.”
Alongside Foster and Boardman, McClurg will set her sights on adding to her silverware collection at Belfast’s Halloween Box Cup in three weeks’ time.
