BY RYAN FERRY
PAUL Crampsie says there’s a ‘great buzz’ building ahead of the white collar boxing on Friday night.
Crampsie who is a coach and mentor with the St Eunan’s minor ladies and senior teams, stepped between the ropes when his club first clashed with Letterkenny Rugby club.
He thought that was the end of his boxing days but has been coaxed in once again and will square off against Dave Brown.
That should be one of the bouts of the night.
“There’s a great buzz now as it comes closer,” said Crampsie.
“I would say ninety per cent of the people haven’t done something like this before.
“There’s a lot of nervous energy about as well.
“There’s been a huge amount of work that has gone in. It’s been six to nine weeks for most people, and as the big day creeps closer, everyone is excited but there’s also nerves.
“The first three weeks of training is grand because it’s about your stance and so on but when you step into the ring and start hitting each other, it’s a different kettle of fish.
“Everybody has taken to it well. It’s three two minute rounds so it’s going to be tough going.
“Danny Ryan has been great. He’s an experienced coach and he’s good at getting the matches right and he looks after the boxers which is important.
“Danny has put in a lot of work as has Marty Higgins and Shane McBrearty.
“I also should mention Ollie Harvey, Andy McGlynn and Tina Drein for the work they are doing behind the scenes.”
It will be a busy night for Crampsie household as Paul’s son Callum is also participating.
“He’s never done anything like this before and he absolutely loves it.
“His fight with Jordan (Devenney) will be very good because they are the same weight and height and age.
“He plays for the club as a goalkeeper but has got really excited by it all and has even branched out into a bit of jiu jitsu off the back of it so it’s ignited something in him which is great.”
Crampsie says a good bond has developed between the boxers over the last two months and new friendships have been made.
“It’s 13 or 14 years since I played for the club so it’s nice to get the chance to represent St Eunan’s again but it’s a very different sport.
“It’s great the way everyone has come together. We have a WhatsApp group and everyone is messaging and having the craic.
“We’re all training together so you’re actually meeting a lot of new people, and we will remain friends with people.
“I know from the last one that you’ll run into people in the pub and stand and chat to them.
“There’s good camaraderie there because it takes a certain level of bravery to step into the ring.”