A GYM owner and boxer from Colwyn Bay claimed victory in a prestigious boxing tournament in Ireland.

Ryan Mac, who owns Macs Gym in Old Colwyn, competed at the Emerald Box Cup as an amateur boxer, representing Wales in the final.

Competing in the light-heavyweight class, Ryan defeated his opponent to seal tournament victory on his debut.

“It’s brilliant, really, really good – one of the biggest achievements in my life,” Ryan told the Pioneer.

“To win on my debut against the former champion is brilliant.

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“To win something so prestigious on my debut, I don’t think it (at this tournament) has ever been done before and it probably won’t be done again.”

Ryan started Macs Gym in June 2019, and it has become a popular hub of the community, with hundreds making the most of the boxing and fitness classes and opportunities it provides.

Ryan has just returned from representing Wales in Phuket, Thailand, having flown over to compete in two fights across two days in two separate stadiums.

Ryan added: “Winning three fights in four weeks seemed have inspired a lot of our locals, especially local sports people and the young kids coming through my gym.

“I’ve had a brilliant response since the fights.”