AmateurHeadline News

Michaela Walsh aims to improve following World Cup win


Michaela Walsh is arguably Ireland’s form amateur but is determined to improve further in a bid to secure qualification for Tokyo 2020.

The reigning Irish champion impressed en-route to winning gold in the Cologne World Cup last weekend and should go into this years Olympic qualifying tournaments full of self belief.

The EU gold, double Commonwealth silver, and European bronze medallist beat India’s World Youth champion Sakshi Choudary on a unanimous decision to top the 57kg podium at the multi-nations formerly known as the Chemistry Cup.

The 25-year old was delighted with the success but is adamant she has to remain focused on improving to ensure she performs when it matters most.

Walsh’s attention now switches to the European Games in Minsk this summer and the World Championships in Ulan-Ude in the Autumn – where Olympic qualification is expected to be on the line.

“Yes 100%,” she told Irish-Boxing.com when asked if the victory has given her a confidence boost before noting there is more work still to be done.

“I aim to improve at every tournament and winning gold is a bonus and it’s good to see who’s the best at my weight and test myself to try new things. So I am very happy with where I’m at but I know I still have so much more to give and learn in the lead up to qualifying.”

“I was happy with my performances throughout especially having three fights back to back but I know I still have so much more to give so I’m looking forward to getting back into the gym and keep improving again for the next competition,” she adds before hammering home the point.

“There is always room for improvement in all areas so everyday I try to better myself. Every competition entered will be tough so that’s why I train like a demon and will leave no stone unturned.”

It appears there is a lot of work for the talented Monkstown fighter, but Walsh believes that extra gym labour will ensure a massive year for her.

“I am very happy with where I’m at now and I’m looking to build on this on the lead up to qualifying for the Olympics. I believe this will be a very successful year for me.”

Walsh and silver medal winner Carly McNaul became the first ever female Irish punchers to secure a podium berth at the competition formerly known as the Chemistry Cup.

The Belfast fighter made further history by becoming the first to win gold and she certainly hopes she isn’t the last.

“I was aware of that and it’s a great honour to be the first woman to do it and hopefully we have many more females to win it in the future.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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