Waterford's Kelyn Cassidy is celebrating securing his fourth National Elite Boxing title.
He won the Men's 80kg Division by defeating James Whelan of Dublin Docklands 5-0 in the National Elite Boxing Championships Final on Friday night.
Cassidy says it was a tough battle but he was delighted to retain his title.
"Some buzz - I'm absolutely over the moon", he told WLR. "I have the utmost respect for James. He's a great kid and pushed me right to the bell. Nothing but respect for him, happy days and I'm just chuffed myself now that I got over the line."
"Through the highs and lows - the whole year was unbelievable, it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions - it's unreal now just to close the year out on a high."
The magnitude of such an achievement hasn't quite yet registered with the Saviours Crystals fighter, but he is determined to continue doing himself and Waterford proud in 2025.
"I haven't really got time to look at it now, but I can't wait to look back when I've finished my boxing career and think of what I've achieved. I just keep trying to strive for greater, and keep pushing myself day in and day out, and just keep ticking all the boxes - keep doing all the 1%s and they've been paying off - so long may it last."
The support of the people of Waterford is something the 27-year-old will never take for granted.
"They give me some support. They have really backed me through thick and thin - it's been unbelieveable."
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