International Muaythai Fights, Cork, Ireland 9th June

Report by Tony Myers

Results of England and Scotland V Republic of Ireland International Cork, Ireland, Saturday 9th June 2001


British fighters pitted their skills against some of Ireland's best in an international MuayThai event held at the Jury's hotel, Cork in the Republic of Ireland on Saturday 9th June. A well attended event saw some exciting fights and was a testament to the improving skills of Irish MuayThai fighters. The event also provided valuable international experience for some relative newcomers on both sides of the Irish channel.

The first international saw Ireland's Cathal O'Reilley (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) gain a points win over Neil Carlye (Dragon's gym, England). In a closely contested match both fighters put up spirited and technically competent performances. Although he received a cut at the end of round two, the Irish fighter managed to make the most of his height and reach advantage to take the decision.

The second international was a heavyweight contest between Eamon Scully (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) and Paul Walsh (Dragon's gym, Scotland). The first round saw a heavily muscled Scully attacking with a barrage of punches to take the fight to Walsh. Walsh proved his courage and resilience by weathering the punishment given by the aggressive Irishman and survived the first round. Round two saw a change in fortunes as the Walsh's low kicks began to take their toll on a tired Scully. Walsh finished the second round on top gaining in confidence having taken the best Scully could offer in the first. The two intense rounds had exhausted Scully and he was unable to continue giving victory to a jubilant Walsh.

The third international saw two more seasoned competitors do battle over five rounds, Mario Flores (Galway, Ireland) and Alex Dally (Dragon's gym, England). Both fighters began cautiously, however, by the end of the first round it was evident that Dally's sharp kicking and punching would prove decisive. Flores tried attacking with combination punches and the occasional low kick but never managed to really trouble the technically superior Dally. Dally won a unanimous points decision.


The final international was between two former adversaries, Seamus Cogan (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) V Mike Werbeck (Dragon's gym, Scotland). The five rounder started quickly with both fighters keen to make their mark. Cogan pressed Werbeck with punches and kneeing attacks in an attempt to reduce the effective of the Scotsman's sharp kicks. The first round finished fairly evenly. Round two saw the same strategy being adopted by Cogan as he pressed forward. Part way through this round Cogan connected with a strong roundkick top the ribs of Werbeck; it was to prove significant. Although Werbeck continued to fight back strongly, the kick had broken a rib and he was in extreme pain whenever Cogan's knees connected. Cogan continued his punching and kneeing assault in round three. Part way through the round one of Cogan's knees connected with Werbeck's damaged ribs and he couldn't continue. Cogan won on a third round stoppage.

Results overview:

63 kg C-class 3x2 International: Cathal O'Reilley (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) V Neil Carlye (Dragon's gym, England.
O'Reilley won points.

Irish title fight Dan O'Connor (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) V Brian Gallagher (Dundalk).
O'Connor won stoppage.

96kg C-class 3x2 International: Eamon Scully (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) V Paul Walsh (Dragon's gym, Scotland).
Walsh won Scully retired.

74kg B-class 5x2 International: Mario Flores (Galway, Ireland) V Alex Dally (Dragon's gym, England).
Dally won points.

65kg B-class 5x2 International: Seamus Cogan (Cork Thai Boxing club, Ireland) V Mike Werbeck (Dragon's gym, Scotland).
Cogan won stoppage.

Irish title fight 68 kg Peter O'Carroll (Carlow) V Paul McGee (Dundalk). O'Carroll won stoppage.