By Daniel Noble
NORTH Down Boxing Club’s Garyn McAllister has guaranteed himself a Commonwealth Games medal after he qualified for the semi-finals.
Fighting in the heavyweight division, 21 year-old McAllister secured a unanimous victory over Ghana’s Jibirl Muntair in the quarters, surviving an early onslaught of punches to eventually take control and secure an impressive victory.
The pair went blow-for-blow in the opening round, each landing powerful hits, but it was McAllister who caught the eye of the judges, employing his jab to great effect.
The relentless nature of the bout took its toll on Muntair as the second round progressed, with the Ghanian running of gas and the North Down brawler taking full advantage, earning a clean sweep on the scorecards.
The Belfast native has ensured he will not come home emptyhanded, with a bronze medal now worst case scenario – something that delighted his travelling support.
“I expected to be out on Sunday, so I had to do a lot of waiting about, and it was all worth it as I’ve got myself a medal,” he said.
“I had half of Belfast there, I brought them all with me. This is a big thing, representing your country at the Commonwealth Games, so my friends and family have all come out for me, and I appreciate that.”
McAllister will face Wales’ Connor Williams in the semi-finals tomorrow afternoon, aiming to upgrade that bronze medal to silver or gold.
