Christian Cekiso motivated by past heartbreaks – “I know I’m at that level”

Christian Cekiso is planning on making 2017 his year.

The 22 year old Portlaoise bantamweight has been in and around the fringes in recent years and is hoping to make his breakthrough in the coming months.

Cekiso has been a frequent competitor at the Intermediate (now known as the Senior) Championship, and has time and again been beaten by the eventual winner.

In 2013 it was current pro Sean Higginson, in 2014 it was future Elite Senior champ Myles Casey, and in 2015 it was another current pro in Carl McDonald.

Last year though was the toughest defeat, when he lost his quarter final with European Youth bronze medalist Terry McEntee on a split – with a points deduction proving crucial.

Cekiso explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “I lost out because my gumshield fell out three times, they took a point off me and that’s what lost it for me.”

“It motivated me more, I know I’m at that level and I know that I can win them.”

“I’ve mixed with the best. I’ve mixed with Senior champions and I haven’t been out of place.”

Cekiso actually hasn’t been in the sport that long, but is highly-rated in Portlaoise BC. On the international scene, he holds a win over Polish Elite champion and WSB fighter Tomasz Resól.

Outlining his start in the sport, the midlands fighter described how “I started off when I was 17. I just came down to the club. It was sitting at home after school when I was in sixth year and I was doing nothing so I said I’ll get something to keep me busy. I won the Novice Nationals in my first year.””

“I fell in love with it. I’m down every day, they can’t get me out!”

“I’m a boxer, I like to box and to pick people off. I’m mostly a counter-puncher really.”