Connor Burns from Bangor, has won the gold medal at the HSK Box Cup in Denmark this weekend for Llandudno Boxing Club. The HSK Box Cup is an annual competition for boxers from various countries and for a range of ages. This year there were 376 boxers representing 11 nations and 82 boxing clubs.
The format of the event is to seed the boxers according to age, weight, and experience. This year, 17-year-old welterweight Burns was in the under 19-year-old class A category. This category was for the most experienced boxers.
In his first bout Burns was up against Denmark’s Jacob Bank. This was the first bout of the whole competition and Burns was up against a very skilled and experienced opponent. Burns started slowly and quite possibly gave the first round to his opponent. He started the second at a faster pace and was able land more frequently as the round progressed. Only a strong last round would secure a win away from home and Burns really took it to his opponent with some ferocious body shots. The split decision win secured him a place in the final next day.
On Day two Burns was drawn against the local favourite Kian Nielsen in the final. Burns controlled the contest at long range against his shorter, stockier opponent right from the start, making significant adjustments from his previous performance. In winning every round Burns left no doubt that he was the better boxer. The judges agreed and Burns brought home a well-deserved gold medal.
This continues the impressive form of Burns who maintains an unbeaten start to his season with three wins out of three. Bangor born Burns travels from his home in Maesgeirchen, Bangor to Llandudno three or four times per week to train.
Connor started boxing at the age of nine with Brian ‘Bach’ Williams in Maesgeirchen, and has been a member of Llandudno boxing club for seven years; he has now racked up 35 contests winning three Welsh titles and bronze medals in the GB finals. Coaches Mike Hogan and Lee Hogan who accompanied Burns to Denmark are really impressed with his continued progression.
Burns has also been supported through a bursary from Bangor University, which enables him to train at the Brailsford Centre, Platfform81 where strength and conditioning have been a major part of his development. Connor also trains under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach Nathan Bullock at Conwy Council RGC facility.
Connor hopes to be in action again in October when North Wales take on a North West England select team and on his home show in Venue Cymru, Llandudno on November 25th. Tickets are available from head coach Mike Hogan on 07879416516
