Surgery for top amateur boxer after city centre attack

Caoimhin Hynes, who trains at Holy Trinity Boxing Club. Credit: Holy Trinity

One of Northern Ireland’s top amateur boxers is preparing to undergo surgery after suffering a serious slash wound to the face in an attack in Belfast city centre.

Caoimhin Hynes, who trains at Holy Trinity Boxing Club, remains in hospital following the incident in the Donegall Place area shortly before 3am on Monday.

He was assaulted by a number of males before police were called to the scene of the altercation.

Senior coach Mickey Hawkins told UTV the 20-year-old, who has just returned from a boxing tournament in France, is lucky to be alive.

“We’re just all delighted that he’s up, he’s talking …” he said.

“They had a brilliant time in Paris last week and this week, we could have been burying him.”

  • WATCH: Holy Trinity boxing coach Mickey Hawkins talks to UTV about Caoimhin Hynes and his horrific injury