Ballsgrove boxing champion Antonio Floody was a knockout in the ring in the eighties and now his son, Stevan Stanic-Floody, hopes to deliver some big blows to the opposition in the colours of Drogheda United.
Stevan, who was born in Sydney, is only 19 next month but has had a very promising underage career in Australia and, just two weeks after he arrived in Ireland he impressed the United management so much in training, they signed him up with a professional contract.
A talented left winger with an eye for goal, Stevan says it’s a dream come true to play for his dad’s hometown club.
Stevan’s dad, boxing champion Antonio Floody.
“I’m buzzing at the moment. I’ve come here to play football and it’s great to get a chance with Drogheda,” he stated.
Living in Ballsgrove, he says he has been welcomed with “open arms” by the club and wants to make an impression.
“When I decided to leave Australia to folllow my career, Ireland and Drogheda was my first step. I haven’t even managed to meet many of my cousins yet,” he added.
Floody, whose sister, Mary, is a professional in Australia and a member of the national junior team, said: “Dad encouraged us to go into football, rather than boxing, and I know he was a great boxer, but he never says much about it.”
Antonio made his Irish debut in the ring in June 1984, winning a gold medal at the Pan Celtic Games. Months earlier, the Holy Family BC man won his first Irish title after a number of previous cruel defeats.
He went on to be a real force in the game at top amateur level.
“We are delighted to get Stevan and hope to see him blossom in the months ahead,” manager Kevin Doherty stated.
