COWDENBEATH boxer Ryan Reekie recorded an excellent success last weekend in Ireland.

The young fighter, who trains with Jonesy's Boxing Club in Plean, was at the Monkstown International Boxing Cup, in Dublin, a massive event where there were over 900 fighters in action in various categories.

Fighting in the 85kgs category, Ryan fought Belfast boxer Paul McCulloch in the final.

The Cowdenbeath puncher made a good start to the contest and had McCulloch down in the first round.

But credit to the Belfast battler he kept going and Ryan produced some superb boxing to take a 3-1 split decision to win the gold.

Ryan's dad Bruce was delighted with the success: "Since the Youth Commonwealth Games in the spring Ryan has not had a fight, although he has been training hard so it was good to see him in action again and he came out of the traps fast and to force a mandatory count so early in the first round was an excellent way to state your case.

"He maintained the standard and fully deserved to take the gold medal."

Ryan is having four weeks off now and will be back in full training in late August.

Added Bruce: "He is looking forward to the new season and hopes to produce the results which will keep him in the Scotland selectors' eyes.

"He is big ambition is to qualify to be part of the Scottish team for the Commonwealth Games in 2022."

Ryan said that he owed a lot to his coach at Jonesy's Gym, James Casey and he warmly thanked him for his advice.

Meanwhile Ryan is always on the look out for sponsorship and any person, or business, who would be interested in backing him could contact Bruce or Ryan on their Facebook pages.