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It was a delight for Coldwell Boxing on Saturday night as undefeated Connah Quay’s star, Tom Doran, put on a masterful display to be crowned Prizefighter middleweight champion.
Beginning the tournament as an outsider with both the bookmakers and boxing community, Doran upset the odds on three occasions to collect the coveted crown and a cheque for £32k.
After eliminating Craig Cunningham in the opening stages, Doran was then paired against pre-competition favourite, Luke Keeler, but the reputation of the Irishman didn’t deter Doran as he collected a deserved verdict.
That set up a final with the exciting Cello Renda and after each fighter enjoyed a round, Doran found a superb hook which stole Renda’s senses. Failing to beat the count, Renda was counted out as Doran went to his corner to celebrate. Manager Dave Coldwell was delighted with his charge’s work.
“It was a great night for everyone involved in Tom’s career and this is the springboard that will help his career so much,” buzzed Coldwell. “He went into the tournament as someone who wasn’t really on the radar but all that has changed now and I think it could be the making of him.
“Wales has a superb history in the fight game and it has given British boxing plenty of great nights so here’s hoping that Tom can be a star that his country can get behind.”
Doran’s excellent showing will no doubt propel him up the domestic rankings and with the British middleweight scene stacked with talent, Coldwell will be relishing testing his latest success story in the higher echelons of the 160lbs division. Already plotting Doran’s next move, Coldwell is excited by the youngster’s future.
“I won’t rush any decision regarding Tom but I’m looking forward to having a good sit down with him and decide what we’re going to do next. He’s made a really good name for himself and I’m sure that this is just the beginning for him.
“The middleweight scene in Britain is right up there as one of the most competitive weight divisions domestically so there’s a ton of potential match ups that we can make for Tom.
“He’s an ambitious lad who wants to win titles and we’ll be trying our best to deliver him those shots. He came of age last night and now is the time for him to go out there again and add further honours to his collection.”
