St John Bosco ABC is a 'special place' for rising pro boxer Kristina O'Hara-McCafferty

Kristina O'Hara-McCafferty believes the future looks bright for St John Bosco boxing club. The West Belfast gym has enjoyed an impressive rise since moving to a new state-of-the-art gym at Conway Mill in West Belfast.

O'Hara-McCafferty's husband Gerard McCafferty helps coach and run the facility, which boasts a healthy stable of rising young stars who are looking to make their mark in the fight game.

It is a labour of love for Gerard and fellow coach Dee Walsh, himself a former boxer who now trains amateur and professional boxers including former world light-heavyweight champion Padraig McCrory.

Read more: Belfast boxer opens up on sacrifice, family inspiration and title ambitions

O'Hara-McCafferty is making her own name in the paid ranks, having eased to a perfect record of 4-0 since turning pro three years ago.

But it's back in the bustling Bosco gym where she takes inspiration from.

"The club is a special place. It is growing. Recently it has been bunged to the rafters. We have two Ballymena boys who come up, and kids from everywhere," she said.

"A lot of people are saying to me it must be hard work having so many kids at the club, but this is something Gerard has been working towards for the last 10-15 years. Trying to get the club up and running and building it. It makes Gerard excited.

"There are a handful of girls coming through. We have one girl Erin McComb who became St John Bosco's first Girl 1 Irish champion two weeks ago. She will definitely be one to watch out for.

"So it is a great environment for any kid to learn their boxing, and other life skills."

O'Hara-McCafferty has dreams of one day becoming world champion. Next month she returns to the ring in a final eliminator for the European title at York Hall.

Back at St John Bosco she is a role model, someone the younger boxers look up to and approach for advice.

But for O'Hara-McCafferty, it is the young boys and girls who walk through the Bosco doors that inspire her.

"Do I inspire them? I'm not sure about that. I just enjoy helping the kids out when I can, but most of them try to bully me to be fair!" she jokes.

"It is great seeing so much young talent, and if I motivate or inspire them then that's great. I want to give something back. I try to help Gerard and the coaches as much as I can.

"There is so much talent coming through which is exciting. To be honest the young ones inspire me, seeing the work and commitment they put into the club and their boxing.

"That would motivate anyone."

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