Montgomery off to Spain in preparation for push towards Ulster title glory

Montgomery recently returned from Alicante as part of a touring party representing Lisburn-based Canal Boxing Academy.

Victory against his opponent from Spain - courtesy of a second-round stoppage - provided Montgomery with the latest forward step in his push up the rankings.

On his visit to Madrid later in the month the 28-year-old fighter will share a plane with some of Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth Games boxers.

“Everything is building towards the Ulster Senior Championships, which start on November 30,” said Montgomery. “The Alicante fight was a brilliant experience.

“Kiko Martinez (who recently lost in Belfast to Carl Frampton) was in the corner of my opponent.

“I was really pleased with my performance and also got to meet Kiko, who proved to be a real gentleman.

“Now I have been asked to join up with five of the Commonwealth Games squad for this Madrid trip in three weeks.

“It is all part of my learning process and I want to grab as much experience in the ring as possible.”

He continued: “I spent years in kickboxing so may be relatively new to boxing but have won everything at novice and intermediate levels.

“The senior titles are next and an Ulster belt in my 65-kilogramme class would be brilliant.

“I am more selective in my programme now as everything is about working towards certain targets.”