This week Bill Carne chats to Alex O’Sullivan, who is a talented young footballer beginning to make a name for himself as a very promising amateur boxer, following his father Wayne in both sports . . .

WHEN Alex O’Sullivan was adjudged the ‘Best Boxer of the Night’ at the superb recent boxing show organised by Graham Brockway and his Merlins Bridge Helpers at a packed Letterston Village Hall it confirmed the 11 year olds genuine potential.

Alex had only had three bouts prior to that evening and his planned opponent was unable to attend because their car broke down en route – and so Alex, his dad Wayne and Graham had enough faith in him to agree that he would take on Kieran Woods (Chepstow), a relative veteran who already had 12 bouts under his belt.

This faith was justified because although Woods got off to a strong start Alex soon settled into a rhythm where his excellent footwork, ability to slip punches and then deliver good shots of his own had Woods chasing shadows whilst being caught himself.

As a result, young O’Sullivan piled up the points to gain a unanimous verdict from the judges around the ring.

It is always every boxer’s aspiration to win the ‘Best Boxer’ award and such was the excellence shown by the youngster from Goodwick that he received the vote of every official who was involved in the decision-making process.

Indeed, official-in-charge John Phillips, who has refereed over 12,000 bouts in his 43 years in boxing, said of Alex,

“It was an outstanding performance of great maturity from such a young boxer because he stayed cool under early pressure, and used his excellent footwork to keep himself out of trouble.

“He doesn’t waste a punch and is technically correct – and I think Alex is certainly one to watch out for in the future.”

High praise indeed from someone who really knows his boxing!

In his corner alongside Mr Brockway was Alex’s dad Wayne, who is best known for his football skills with Goodwick United but is also a two-times Welsh middleweight champion in his younger days who also boxed three times for Wales, against Northern Ireland and The Army (twice), winning two of them.

Wayne lost his first attempt in 2004 against Leon Owens at Ebbw Vale by a single point but boxed superbly a year later to claim a 40-37 win over Jack Phillips in Newport. After being out injured in 2006 Wayne returned the following year and won his second title with a superb 30-7 victory over Gary Staddon in the Rhondda.

Alex’s uncle Chris, who plays Welsh League football for Haverfordwest County, won a Welsh title in 2006 and a generation earlier it was Alex’s granddad Terry, who sometimes takes him to training now if Wayne can’t make it, and his great uncle Gerald (known to all as ‘Dacca’) who enjoyed boxing. But Alex and his dad Wayne would agree that the main cog in the family machine is Alex’s mum Moira, who is brilliant as she sorts everything out for them!

Alex is also maintaining the family footballing tradition as he plays central midfield for Fishguard Sports under 13s (Goodwick United don’t have a team in that age group). He is coached by Steve Lewis and loves being a natural ball winner, useful distributor and can run all day. Last season saw him win the ‘Player of the Year’ award, another trophy for his cabinet alongside his growing number of boxing mementoes!

Back on the boxing front, Alex started out at Merlins Bridge ABC just over a year ago because he wanted to follow in the family footsteps and so Wayne took him along to meet Graham Brockway.

“There was no pressure on him to box from any of us but Alex took to it straight away,” said Wayne, “and loved the training. He was soon punching the heavy bags and working on the practice pads with the trainers, who are all great there.

“He was eager to spar and I think he found skipping to warm up the hardest, but could see how important it was for Micky McDonagh and the other top boxers there. He’s improved in all aspects of his training and it certainly helps to promote self-discipline.”

Alex’s first bout came last October as he took on Cameron Davies from Prizefighter ABC at a show with Towy ABC.

“It was very exciting and I was nervous,” admitted Alex, “especially when I got into the ring and heard my name announced

“The fight flew by and before I knew it the referee was holding up my hand because I had won.

“They gave me my trophy and I had my photograph taken. It was amazing!”

From there it was on to a bout against Daniel Martin of Penyrheol ABC at Cardigan’s show and again he boxed well, with a maturity beyond his years, to gain a unanimous points verdict.

“I enjoyed it even more than my first fight,” said Alex, “and I couldn’t wait for my next one.”

That came against Korri Lewis of Trostre ABC in another Towy show and Alex made it three wins in as many contests as he again gained a unanimous points decision with another display of precision boxing that had the crowd cheering him on to victory.

That brings us nicely round to that show in Letterston and his fourth win on the trot, followed by win No 5 at the most recent show in Narberth, where he maintained his 100% record. It was a pleasure to watch another clinical display and afterwards Alex told me that his boxing hero is Floyd Mayweather and in football he is a Manchester United supporter and his top player is Juan Mata.

But he was quick to add that in both sports it was dad Wayne who is his real favourite – and there is no doubt that Alex O’Sullivan is a chip off the old block, and has plenty to offer boxing and football in years to come!