Boxer Craig reaches British championship semi-final

Jul 9 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

FOUR ISLES Club boxer Barry Craig produced a gutsy performance at the recent British Championships - but couldn’t avoid a semi-final points defeat.

The 17-year-old from Airdrie represented Scotland at Portobello Town Hall and was up against English champion Paul O’Sullivan.

But the Whinhall puncher lost by just two points when the contest was decided by computer after three extremely tough rounds.

Craig started sharply and caught his opponent with some lovely double left-hands to the head on his way to winning the first round.

However, O’Sullivan, who has won several multi-nation tournaments across Europe, came back into the fight in the second round to make it all-square.

The bout was decided in the final round with both boxers giving absolutely everything in front of a healthy audience who enjoyed watching two young fighters showcase their skills.

But it was to no avail for Craig as he was judged by the computer scoring system to have lost 18-16.

It was hard luck on the teenager but he could hold his head high after doing himself, his club and his country proud with a brave display.