Sean McGoldrick crowned British and Commonwealth boxing champion

Welsh bantamweight, Sean McGoldrick, with a big Donegal connection, was crowned British and Commonwealth champion tonight at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, when he defeated Scott Allan convincingly.

McGoldrick's father, Liam, hails from Ballyshannon and there was another Donegal man at ringside for the fight, well-known boxing man, Peter O'Donnell, who is a friend of the McGoldrick family.

Allan had an unusual style, but McGoldrick matched him and with a huge local support, he had his arm raised after 12 rounds of boxing.

He won on a majority decision with one judge having the fight level on 114-114 while the other two judges both had McGoldrick as convincing winner 117-111.

McGoldrick has been building up to this night for some time and after a great amateur career, the 31-year-old has now reached a new pinnacle in his career. McGoldrick was a Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2010 and his build-up fight to tonight's win, he defeated Alexander Taylor in October.

The Newport man speaking afterwards said it "was just amazing."
"He was very tricky and difficult and he had adjusted. But I had to stay relaxed and follow the instructions," said McGoldrick, who said that the moment at the end when he was able to celebrate with family and friends was special.

"It is hard to take in but I have to thank my family. I will never be able to repay them for their support," said McGoldrick, who said that he would be able to have some Christmas cake now, having had to miss Christmas this year.