Bluebird ‘Sully’ puts on his boxing gloves again

Chris O’Sullivan is a very poplar goal-scoring midfielder with Haverfordwest County but has had another string to his sporting bow because he was a Welsh amateur boxing champion in 2007 and has just returned to the ring after overcoming horrendous shoulder problems, only to be hit again by a shoulder mishap.

 

It means that Chris has now had to abandon hope of gaining a second Welsh title, and the chance of a place in the Welsh team for the Commonwealth games next year!.

 

High hopes

 

Chris had travelled to Pontarddulais with coach Graham Brockway for his recent return to action as he took on Oliver Giddings from Milton Keynes on a show organised by Bonymaen ABC and won a unanimous points decision against a very strong and experienced opponent.

 

“I have to admit that I was very nervous, even after seven weeks of rigorous training,” said Chris, “and the first round is still a blur as the two minutes flew by.”

 

“He was naturally keen to do well again,” chuckled Graham, “but once he settled down and found his range, I had no doubt that he would win. We’ll have him back in the gym after Christmas to put a few things right and after one more bout he will be just right for our home show in the spring.”

 

Real determination

 

That Chris should be boxing again was a tribute to his durability because he had endured the agony of TWELVE shoulder dislocations and three operations after he had first put it out in a car crash and then again whilst defending his Welsh title. There had been no hint of problems when he beat hot favourite Jamie Evans, from the Army, to win his lightweight title at Newport Centre in 2007 against an opponent who was looking for a hat-trick of wins after over 90 bouts to Chris’s ten.
 

It seemed Chris would complete a double triumph in the Rhondda the following year when he took on Lee Selby, who went on to win European and Commonwealth titles in the professional game, and was 11-4 ahead in the second round.

 

“But the shoulder suddenly popped out and I couldn’t even lift my arm, let alone throw a punch, and I had to give Selby the title.

“That was bad enough but it kept on happening and I also missed so much football because of it. It nearly drove me mad.”

 

Medical tribute

 

Chris has been back playing at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium for three years now (eight years in total) and is full of praise for the superb repair job done by his specialist, Mr Kanse.

“He put pins and a plate in and I can’t speak highly enough of his support,” said Chris, “because without his expertise I don’t think I would be playing any sport. Graham Brockway has also been great and his training has also sharpened up my football because I feel I could run all day and have already scored nine goals this season.”

 

Took the plunge

 

He had always told Graham that he would return to the ring at some stage and decided to take the plunge now.

“At 29  I guess it was now or never,” admitted Chris. “My parents Terry and Lena were understandably anxious but girlfriend Abi James gave me every support and although I did think ‘what on earth am I doing here?’ when the first bell sounded I really enjoyed taking part.”

 

“It’s been a long road and I know I had only taken a couple of steps,” said Chris, “but I had to give it a go. Unfortunately this latest injury means I have to focus on my football and I will give that 100%.”

 

We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk are sorry that Chris has been denied his chance of boxing glory but we wish him every success as he focuses on his future football career at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium!

PHOTOS:
Sully playing for the Bluebirds.
Chris with boxing coach Graham Brockway.