Published on www.Irish-boxing.com February 17th, 2006

The Boxing Union of Ireland have cleared both Michael Gomez and Peter McDonagh of any wrongdoing in the Irish lightweight title fight last month. Following a three week investigation the BUI released a report with their finding earlire today. (Gomez just stopped fighting midway through the fight and announced after the clash he decided to retire from the sport during the fight) WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiJYi3ZEuOU

Following the completion of the investigation the bout’s promoter Biran Peters released the following statement:

The Boxing Union of Ireland has today released the outcome of an in-depth investigation in to the result of last month’s Irish lightweight title fight between Peter McDonagh and Michael Gomez.

Both boxers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the fight and both purses will now be paid in full.

As the promoter of the bout I welcome the Boxing Union of Ireland’s findings following such a comprehensive investigation.

It’s disappointing that the bookies that made the most noise on this issue have proven to be “Spoyle Sports” by not co-operating with the Boxing Union of Ireland’s investigation.

It’s unfortunate that a publicity ploy embarked upon by this particular bookies did not take into consideration the effect that it would have on Irish professional boxing and in particular the careers of Peter McDonagh, Michael Gomez and their respective trainers and managers.

It also took the shine off yet another impressive performance by Bernard Dunne.

Having failed to “put up” in regards to the Boxing Union of Ireland investigation perhaps it is time for the bookies concerned to “shut up”.

————————————

Following the news that he had been cleared Micheal Gomez also released a statement saying:

I’m delighted that that the investigation is completed and that I have been cleared. There’s no way I’d ever be involved in anything like a fixed fight.

If anyone thinks I’d be involved in something like that then why don’t they come and spar a few rounds with me. I’ll show them just how tough boxing is because I think sometimes people think it’s easy to get in that ring. After a few rounds with me they might understand what a boxer has to go through in there.

I’m a proud warrior and anyone who’s watched me down through the years knows that. No disrespect to Peter McDonagh but I’ve been boxing for over 20 years and that catches up with your body.

All those years of hard training, making weight and getting into wars in the ring caught up with me and that’s all that happened.

I’m sorry for all my supporters but I had to make that decision in the fight for myself and my family. Boxing is too tough a sport if you’re hearts not in it.

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PUBLISHED ON WWW.IRISH-BOXING.COM MARCH 19 2007

RING legend Jake LaMotta was just one of 5,000 fight fans at the Theatre Arena at Madison Square Garden on Friday night impressed with Andy Lee’s stunning one punch finish over Carl Daniels.

Lee left the former world champ flat on the canvas courtesy of a devastating right hook and even legendary toughman LaMotta admitted to being blown away by his power.

LaMotta who’s story was so famously told in the acclaimed biopic “Raging Bull” was ringside in New York and said, “That was a peach of punch. I thought the lights went out on Broadway, this Irish kid’s got class.”

Lee’s trainer Emanuel Steward was unable to make the trip to the Big Apple duw to a family illness but he too was mightily impressed by the manner in which Lee despatched a former world champ in just his eight pro fight.

The Detroit based trainer said, “Andy was very well conditioned for this fight. We prepared for the fight at the Waldimir Klitschko training camp in Majorca. He showed everyone his boxing ability, growing maturity and punching power in the fight. It was a job well done.”

Classic Andy Lee- Andy Lee news from 2007

Published January 29th, 2007 – PUBLISHED ON WWW.IRISH-BOXING ON JANUARY 29 2007 

by Wayne McCullough ringside at the Orleans Casino, Las Vegas

Former world champ Wayne McCullough checks on the progress of unbeaten middleweight prospect Andy Lee as the Limerick southpaw takes on Arturo Ortega in Las Vegas. McCullough was ringside at the Orleans Arena and here’s his report:

This fight was Andy Lee’s 7th fight since turning pro in March 2006. It is a busy schedule but he has kept himself and his skills sharp in doing so.

At the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Lee faced tough Arturo Ortega – a late replacement – who hadn’t lost since September 2004.

Lee began the fight jabbing well with his right as Ortega, the shorter stockier of the two, tried to come forward. He would jump in but Lee was catching him with hooks to the head that were knocking him off balance.

Ortega landed some hooks to Lee’s body in the second but Lee was dictating the pace and picked his shots with ease. Even though Ortega was trying to make Lee fight in close, Lee stayed on the outside and got back to his jab. He landed good left right hooks to Ortega’s head that shook him as he backed up. Ortega was tough and was taking a lot of shots but Lee stayed calm and controlled.

In the 4th, Lee was jabbing well and he landed a crisp left uppercut to Ortega’s belly. Ortega was tired but he was still trying. However, Lee was too smart and accurate to fall into Ortega’s trap.

Ortega was jumping in but repeatedly got caught with Lee’s quick jab. A solid right left combination rocked Ortega and Lee followed up throwing shot after shot to his head. Referee Kenny Bayless stayed close observing the action as the bell sounded to end the round and save Ortega – even though a stoppage could have been justified.

By the 6th, Lee had hit Ortega with everything and it was only Ortega’s toughness that got him to this round. He was fit since he had come off a win from the previous week.

A straight left rocked Ortega and he fell onto the ropes. His corner immediately stepped in to stop the fight. The time was 32 seconds into the round.

Lee controlled the fight and was impressive against a durable opponent. He continues to get better with each fight.

Check out the Wayne’s website at: PocketRocketBox.com and his ringside reports in the Ring magazine. Wayne’ work can also be read on Sky Sports.com and The Fight Network.com.

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Ireland’s Elite boxers will meet France in two internationals in Cork and Belfast in May.

Taylor to top bills in Cork and Belfast

In association with the IABA, PLATINUM ONE is bringing Ireland’s Olympic Medal winning team to Millstreet in Cork on Friday May 3^rd in the first-leg of a two-match International against the Elite boxers of France.  All of Ireland’s medal winners will compete and the bill will be topped by Gold Medal hero Katie Taylor who will fight in Millstreet for the first time in her career.

At the announcement in Cork today,PLATINUM ONE Chairman Johnny Fortune said the company was delighted to be bringing a truly unique sporting event to Munster.

“We are proud and excited to be bringing Ireland’s Olympic heroes to Co. Cork. This is Ireland’s most successful ever Olympic team and it will be the first time since the triumph in London that they have boxed competitively as a team.  We are providing people with the opportunity to see Nevin, Barnes, Conlan and, of course, Katie Taylor, fight top class opposition at one of the great venues in Munster.

“France is a strong boxing nation and with the European Championships being staged in June both nations are using the match as critical final preparation for their elite teams. Since the Games in London it was PLATINUM ONE’s ambition to host an event where the fans could see their heroes with their medals but more importantly to see them compete.  We always wanted to showcase them in action.”

The event is unusual in that the international is being staged over two nights, the first in Cork and the second in Belfast two nights later on Sunday May 5^th.  There will be a total of 14 bouts over the two fight nights at Millstreet in Co. Cork and at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.  Each night there will be six male bouts with Gold Medal winner Katie Taylor and her French opponent, a Quarter Finalist in last year’s World Championships, Estelle Moselly, topping the bill.  The international match will be decided on the aggregate scores over the two nights boxing and in the event of a tie a count back of all the scores will determine the winner.

IABA President,Tommy Murphy said: “This international comes just after our boxers have completed a period of intense preparation culminating in a two week training camp in Kazakhstan so they will be in peak condition. The French team sees this match as key to its preparations for the European Finals in June. It will be an exceptional opportunity for boxing purists and general sports fans alike but it will not be for the faint hearted.  There will be no quarter asked or given and I know our Head Coach, Billy Walsh, expects Katie and the six men in the team to win this series for Ireland.”

The full French team will be confirmed within the next few weeks, but its Head Coach John Dovi said: “Ireland is a powerful boxing nation. Its success in Beijing followed by the superb performance in London means that to compete we have to bring our best boxers and with the European Finals so close we will be bringing our strongest possible team. I believe we can triumph over the course of the two fight nights.  That is certainly our ambition and after intense training since the start of the year, my boxers will be in peak condition for this match just ahead of the European Championships.”

The full Irish team for Fight Night One in Cork will comprise the 5 male boxers who competed in London, Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, John Joe Nevin, Darren O’Neill, Adam Nolan and the man who so controversially missed out on the Games, Joe Ward.  The team will be led in this international fixture by Olympic Gold Medallist, Katie Taylor.

Katie Taylor said she was particularly excited about fighting in Millstreet which is such an iconic old boxing venue. Taylor said she believed her French opponent, Estelle Moselly would provide her with very stiff opposition.

“I want to continue to test myself and there is no doubt that this match will see me pitched against someone of real quality in Estelle.  We were in the same half of the draw in last year’s World Championships but she was beaten in the quarter final so we missed what would have been a semi-final fight.  I will be happy to show off my Gold Medal to the crowd but I will be focused on winning what promises to be a tough contest and getting a point on the board for Ireland.”

Former Olympian, Mick Dowling, who is Boxing Consultant to PLATINUM ONE, highlighted the importance of the venue

“As the Promoters, we considered that Dublin dominates the schedule of top amateur boxing events and that, on this occasion, we should bring the event to other places. Millstreet is an old venue which lends itself to a fantastic atmosphere and we look forward to a full house roaring on Ireland’s top boxers on the evening of May 3rd.

“This is a one off opportunity. Katie Taylor is a multiple World Champion and an Olympic Gold Medal winner.  No Irish athlete, male or female, has ever scaled the same heights so, to see her compete against another world rated boxer and for our silver and bronze medallists to be on the same card means it really is a night not to be missed. We can promise fans that amateur boxing will never have been staged like this before in Ireland and that the production values we will bring to the fight nights will add considerably to the enjoyment.”

The specialist live sports event production company, Sulu Management, has been retained to produce the two nights and the objective is to create a new standard for the presentation of boxing in Ireland.  The Olympic heroes will have their medals and there will be competitions for children on the night to pose for photographs with the Champions.

Tickets for this event will be on sale through Ticketmaster from 10am on Tuesday March 12^th.

FIGHT NIGHT ONE

MILLSTREET, CO CORK, FRIDAY MAY 3^RD 2013

IRELAND TEAM:

• ·         Paddy Barnes
• ·         John Joe Nevin
• ·         Michael Conlon
• ·         Darren O’Neill
• ·         Joe Ward
• ·         Adam Nolan

And topping the bill, Katie Taylor versus Estelle Moselly

Tickets, available for purchase on www.ticketmaster.ie from 10am on Tuesday, March 12^th are priced as follows:

• §  Inner Ring           €100
• §  Category 1          €90
• §  Category 2          €80
• §  Category 3          €70         Under 14             €25 (2 per adult ticket)*
• §  Category 4          €55

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By Alan Murphy Powerhouse MMA editor

Joseph Duffy (25) is a former top Irish MMA prospect who switched to boxing following his lone defeat in MMA. Duffy posted an impressive 10-1 record in MMA and holds victories over current Irish UFC fighters Norman Parke and Conor McGregor.

 Duffy nearly made it to the UFC himself but suffered a setback a number of years ago losing an exhibition fight to make it onto “The Ultimate Fighter”, a massive reality TV show from the UFC in which they gather top prospects from around the world and put them in a house to train together and compete against each other.

 Duffy won his pro-boxing debut last weekend defeating Angelo Crowe 40-36 on all the judges’ scorecards. He is not taking any rests in between fights and will be fighting on March 8^th in London against journey man Paul Morby.

Pic by Tommy Lakes: Duffy defeats Crowe in pro debut

Can Joseph Duffy recreate the success he had in MMA and become one of the very few who can claim to be both a quality Mixed Martial Artist and boxer? He certainly has all the potential.

Hi Joseph, firstly we just want to say thank you for taking time out of training in order to speak with us. Can you tell us about your upcoming boxing fight on March 8th?

It’s my pleasure. I’m fighting a lad called Paul Morby. He’s been in the game for a good while and fought a good few former British champions. He’s a good boxer with a lot of experience so I’m going to have to be switched on but after my success last week I’m confident it’s a fight I can win!

You were a top prospect MMA fighter, what made you change your MMA gloves for boxing gloves?

There’s a few reasons really, at the start of 2012 I moved to London to train with the MMA Clinic with plans of moving to Jacksons MMA (a top MMA gym in America) that summer. I was working on my boxing and one of my coaches asked “why dont you give boxing a go?” He must have saw potential and I’m the type of person who would rather try something and fail than not bother trying and here I am today getting ready for my 2^nd pro boxing fight.

Where and who do you train with in boxing?

I’m training in Angel in London with the Boxing Clinic under head coach John Tandy, who was the one who actually asked me to give boxing a go, and his two assistant coaches Adam Brearley and Tony White.

How do you find the training in boxing compared to MMA?

It’s a question I’m asked quite regularly in the gym. I think it’s the intensity that is different, obviously both are very intense sports but in MMA you have a vast variety of skills to learn and you have spread yourself thinner, whereas boxing I feel has intense sessions and more of a constant lifestyle!

In MMA you finished 7 of your 10 wins via submission. So naturally one would scratch their heads at you deciding to pursue a boxing career. How has the transition to boxing been so far?

This one puzzles a lot of people. When I first start training back in 1993 it was all striking arts that I began with, from Tae kwon-do, kickboxing and I had a few full contact kickboxing bouts before learning traditional jujutsu and going into MMA. So even though a lot of my wins came via submission it was only because that’s how the fights unfolded and to cut out the risk of a punchers chance.

What are your aspirations in the sport of boxing?

I’m trying not to look too far ahead. I’m just going to take it one fight at a time but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to be world champ! I have a very competitive nature and no matter what sport I compete in that tends to come out.

What can we expect from Joseph Duffy on March 8th?

You can expect a fired up Joe Duffy but nothing too flashy, just the basics done well. No matter what sport you compete in whether it is MMA, Boxing or whatever your sport is, if you don’t do the basics well then you won’t improve. I am looking forward to this next fight and gaining more experience in the ring.

Thank you for your time Joseph and all the best in your next fight.

Cheers guys. I would just like to say a big thank you to John Tandy, Adam Brearley, Tony White, Graham Boylan, Tommy Lakes, Ashley Fox and Geoffrey Thorp and also to my sponsors Intensiti FM and London Fight Store.

LINK TO DUFFY”S FAN PAGE http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Joe-Duffy-Boxing/424909590914317?fref=ts 

PRO DEBUT FIGHT REPORT: http://www.tandyboxing.com/news-joe-duffy-debut/4574292313

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IRISH Senior light heavyweight champion Joe Ward has been grabbing headlines for his boxing performanced over the last three years. The teen, however, doesn’ often talk to the press in any great dept. However he did recently open up to the AIBA press wing and the following is the results. 

‘Since his big breakthrough on the international stage following his sensational gold medal at the AIBA Junior World Championships in 2009 followed by the Middleweight (75kg) title a year later at the AIBA Youth World Championships in 2010, Ireland’s Joe Ward has gone from strength to strength, impressing the world with his quality blend of poise and power. After moving up to Light Heavyweight (81kg) and claiming the European crown in 2011, the teenager suffered a dip in form in the early part of 2012, missing out on qualification to the London Olympic Games, but has since come back stronger than ever.

The classy southpaw  fighter with devastatingly quick hands has also established himself as the British Lionhearts’ leading fighter at Light Heavyweight (80-85kg) in World Series of Boxing (WSB) and made it a hat-trick of Irish titles last month, sending in the process Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medallist Kenneth Egan into retirement. Ward now has his sights set on more glory in WSB and defending his European crown before all the focus will centre on making it big at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Almaty 2013 in October. We were keen to get his views so we put a few questions to highly talented Irishman’.

AIBA: Tell us about your memories of winning gold at the 2009 AIBA Junior World Championships in Yerevan. What are your recollections of your first appearance on the international stage?

JW:     I was very happy to be part of that experience but I was very serious about showing the world what I could do. The team around me was excellent and we trained very hard in the build up to the event in order for me to be in the best shape possible. I kept my focus throughout the tournament and I grew in confidence with each victory. Winning the gold was incredible, so I have very fond memories of Armenia, it gave me the belief that I could really go on to achieve things in this sport.

AIBA: The Youth World and European crowns followed and now a hat-trick of Irish titles. Could you have suffered from over-confidence at the Olympic Qualifying Event?

JW:      I felt unlucky about missing out on qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It was very hard for me to take but it has only made me even more determined to succeed.

AIBA:   How has it been acclimatising to the pro format of WSB? Are you enjoying taking part in the competition with the British Lionhearts?

JW:       WSB is a fantastic competition, highly regarded in Ireland; I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. We are now in the quarter-finals against Mexico Guerreros, it will be tough but we believe that as a group that we can advance to the semis. The Pro format is a great experience, many boxers have told me that they would have liked to have been a part of it had it been around during their time. I am pleased with my performances in the competition, there is still more to come from me, the knockout stages should be great for the fans.

AIBA:  Tell us how you began boxing.

JW:      My family has always boxed. My uncles and cousins are all involved. My grandfather was probably my biggest influence whilst I have several family members on the committee of my local boxing club.

AIBA:  What do you love most about boxing?

JW:       It is one of the hardest sports out there, you need to train a lot and when you are in the ring, it is you against your opponent. You need to be technically good and very strong mentally to succeed in the discipline. You get a real buzz from it.

AIBA:  Tell us about your training regime, how often do train and do you have a secret formula?

JW:       I train twice daily and that four times a week. There is no special ingredient; hard work and dedication are the most important. Boxing is something you have to immerse yourself into fully, you have to give your all, push yourself to the very limits in order to have any chance of succeeding. I am also lucky to be able to train at the High Performance Centre with some of the best coaches in the world.

AIBA:   Why has Ireland produced some many talented boxers?

JW:       The sport is part of the national identity in Ireland. It is in our blood. With the opening of the High Performance Centre, we are now even better equipped to rival the big boxing nations across the world. Ireland is receiving a lot of attention due to our boxers doing well at the Olympic Games and  Katie         Taylor pioneering the women’s game.

AIBA:   You beat Kenneth Egan at the 2011 Irish National Championships and again last month and he has since decided to hang up his gloves. How do you view this?

JW:       For me winning the Nationals in 2011 was big, especially considering Kenny was a Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medallist. I have a lot of respect for him, for what he has achieved in the sport. When you enter a ring to face someone, all that matters is to defeat your opponent. I wish Kenny all the best but I am focused on myself.

AIBA:  Is your big objective the Rio 2016 Olympic Games now?

JW:     I am not looking that far ahead, nothing is certain that far in the future. I now know there is lot of options for me, if I stay focused. Presently I am solely focused on the British Lionhearts, it would be fantastic to win that competition but there are some really tough teams still left in WSB.

AIBA:  What are your plans for 2013?

JW:      To continue growing and developing as a fighter, I want to be the best that I can be so I need to continue working hard and applying myself. Now, the plan is to win WSB. Then of course I will look to defend my European title before turning my attention to the AIBA World Boxing Championships.

AIBA:   Look out for young Joe Ward this year, he might have gone under the radar after failing to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games, but this talented fighter has an extremely bright future ahead of him. You can track his progress in the quarter-finals of WSB during the weekends of the 23 and 30 March or catch him at the EUBC European Championships from 30 May to 9 June.

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He hung up his gloves last Friday night but Kenneth Egan Senior Record 2001/2013 (below) is proof as to why he will go down as an Irish boxing legend.

2001

National Championships: beat Kevin Walsh (St Colman’s, Cork) 21-14, beat Michael  McAllister (Belfast) 13-7, beat Conall Carmichael (Holy Trinity, Belfast) 11-6 in final. World Championships (Belfast): beat Youssef El Awad (Denmark) 17-5, beat Miroslav Krepstul (Lithuania) 33-13, lost to bronze medallist YordanisDespaigne (Cuba) 28-8 in quarter-finals.

2002

National Championships: beat Leon Senior (Crumlin, Dublin) 14-13, beat Keith Whelan (Saviours Crystal, Waterford) 19-9, beat Marvin Lee  (Oughterard, Galway) 8-2 in final.

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By Jeremy O’ Connell

Mayweather vs. Guerrero is on!

Robert Guerrero‏@GHOSTBOXING

Good night to all! 74 days away @SHOsports can’t wait to make history @floydmayweather get your track shoes ready @usainbolt #43-1

Floyd Mayweather‏@FloydMayweather

The first mega-event is taking place on May 4, 2013, when Mayweather will fight Robert Guerrero http://rock.li/p/7325

And Adrien Broner speaks the truth about the most shocking aspect of the deal, Floyd’s defection from HBO to Showtime. With Golden Boy taking almost their entire stable away from HBO, then Broner is all HBO have left…

Adrien Broner‏@AdrienBroner

@HBOboxing we all we got!!!!!

Reformed former PED kingpin Victor Conte believes Marquez and Rigondeaux are on the juice.

Victor Conte‏@VictorConte

My opinion only. 100%. There was NO random testing. NADA RT @emseegusto: so what’s the likelihood that memo had JMM on the juice?

Victor Conte‏@VictorConte

In my opinion. Yes RT @Mastrangelosb: You never had problems with giving “opinions”. In your opinion, is/was Rigondeaux on something?

Willie Casey is back training with Phil Sutcliffe, and will be back in the ring in March.

Willie Casey‏@Willie_Casey

Im glad to announce that i will be fighting on the march 9th show in dundalk. I cant wait to get back in the ring.

He also took the time to echo the sentiments of everyone involved in Irish boxing. A happy retirement to Kenny Egan!

Willie Casey‏@Willie_Casey

Well done to @kenegan30 on a great career and I hope he has a happy retirement. Maybe he could become a successful coach for Ireland

Greisman not impressed with last Saturday’s septic Showtime broadcast, topped by Ishe Smith vs. Cornelius Bundrage, as well as offering an amusing assessment of Juan Diaz’s comeback.

David Greisman‏@fightingwords2

Well, tonight’s broadcast could be worse — we could be watching a Devon Alexander fight.

David Greisman‏@fightingwords2

Juan Diaz is coming back? Well, they do say the job situation is bleak out there for law school grads.

In between scoffing down half a dozen Domino’s pizzas, Dan Rafael finds time to rightfully slam Showtime’s embarrassing ass kissing of Mayweather on Saturday’s show

Dan Rafael‏@danrafaelespn

I’m disappointed the Floyd and Brian interview didn’t end with them kissing. #boxing

Pricey a class act in the wake of his shock defeat.

David Price‏@DavidPrice_1

Thanks for the messages of support everyone. I’m ok. These things happen. It’s disappointing but life’s full of ups and downs. I’ll be back!

David Price‏@DavidPrice_1

On another note. Congratulations to @audley_Harrison. If ever someone shows how to bounce back it’s him. Genuinely pleased for you Audley.

But never fear Pricey, Tyson will bitch slap the big bully for you!

Tyson Fury‏@Tyson_Fury

When addressing me now it’s King Tyson fury! As I’m the gypsy king! Inherited from Bartley Gorman! So bow down & worship me!

Tyson Fury‏@Tyson_Fury

Every man wishes he was me!& every woman wishes they was with me! The man of the moment Tyson Fury!

Tyson Fury‏@Tyson_Fury

I’m gonna spank this little bitch tony Thompson all round the ring! Granddaddy is getting in for koing price!! Ill get him for u @davidprice

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By Jonny Stapleton

THERE were wild celebrations after each new champion was announced at yesterday’s National Elite Senior Championships, but the biggest cheer of the night was saved for loosing light heavyweight finalist Kenneth Egan.

The Stadium rose to its feet in unison and spent a number of minutes paying tribute to the countries greatest ever amateur, as he announced his intention to hang up his gloves after defeat to new kid on the block Joe Ward in what was the Clondalkin man’s 13^th successive final.

Action from Egan’s last fight pics by Tomasz Marciniak

A third reverse to the Moat fighter might not have been the most fitting of ends for the ten time Irish champion, but there is no shame in defeat to the powerful West Meath youngster, who by most people’s reckoning is the best light heavyweight on the planet.

However, Egan won’t be remembered for last nights loss instead his name will be mentioned every time people recall the greatest Irish fighters of all time.

The fighter, who put the Neilstown club on the map, has been the standard bearer for over a decade. He has the most decorated mantle piece in Irish boxing with 10 Irish titles from 13 consecutive finals-another record- won Olympic silver in Beijing, 7 Continental medals as well as a number of multi nation victories.

However its not just Egan’s in ring success that endeared him to the masses. He has done as much for Irish amateur boxing as any fighter.

He represented and stood up for the amateur side of the sport throughout his career. In a game that is primarily individual the 31 year old always pushed team ethic, was loyal to his club and knew what it meant to represent your country.

As legendary Irish boxing writer Gerry Callan told him in the dressing room after he announced his decision live on RTE, he has proved ‘the perfect ambassador’ for Irish boxing.

The Mail’s Ciaran Gallagher also got it right when he wrote today ‘The King is dead, long live the King,” but although King Kenny’s reign has ended it certainly won’t be forgotten.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me in these finals for the last 13 years, and tonight is the end of it,” he said afterwards. “I want to thank Joe, he’s the next man and improving all the time. I’m glad to be handing the mantle over to someone like that because he’s a legend already.”

“I kept it very private. I didn’t want to cause any commotion, but I had it in my head it was my last fight. I didn’t even say it to my coaches or family. It has been a long road.

“It is the start of something else for me now. I have been boxing for 24 years. I remember my first fight like it was yesterday. It was in Darndale, I won it by the way! I have loved it. The traveling, people I have meet and friends I have made. It was always going to come to an end. I thought tonight would be fitting for it. I don’t think I can go any further with the talent that is out there now.”

End of an era last night

Egan was denied the chance to beat Jim O’Sullivan’s 10 Irish title record by Ward, who burst onto the scene as a 17 year old and defeated the Olympic medal winner three years running.

But the Woodford resident wasn’t bitter yesterday and retired content with what he has achieved. Fitting to his character and love for the sport Egan was even able to look as excitedly at Ward’s potential as most fans do.

“Joe Ward is an exceptional talent. I thought I would test him again this year, but he is getting better all the time. It is great to see. I said it to him in the ring I am here for him. I am here to share bits and pieces with him. I can add to his arsenal. It could be the smallest thing that wins him a fight,” he added before commenting on the reaction he received.

“I didn’t think people would stand up, it’s a big embarrassing, but its great. I feel I have a great name in Ireland in the sport and I have carried the mantle for long enough and like I said In the ring its great to hand over to someone who is very very good and very very talented.”

It is an end for Egan in the ring, but not the end of his boxing career. The Stadium’s favourite son hopes to remain involved and would consider a coaching role.

“I have so much to offer. I know all about the sport. I have been more or less the captain for the last number years.

“I hope to stay in boxing. It’s a sport I have loved since I was eight years of age. It brought me all over the world and I met some fantastic people. It has been great and tonight is the right time to do it. I am off the drink so I can’t go wild, but I might spoil myself with a big mac!”

Egan poster boy for boxing

The emotions in the dressing room after the announcement further showed the high regard in which Egan is held in and this Journalist would like to offer his thanks to the great man.

As a young budding hack in my first full time job with my local paper Egan was nothing but brilliant. He was always available to talk boxing, always passionate about the sport and continually helpful throughout his career and indeed mine.

No doubt the Irish Boxing Legend helped aided me in breaking into boxing writing and for that I will always be grateful. Also as a fellow Clondalkiner I will always respect what Egan did for the area.

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A night of World class boxing and the return of Katie Taylor to competitive action for the first time since she won gold at the London Olympics ended on a poignant note after Ken Egan announced his retirement from inside the ring he has graced for over a decade on Friday night.

The 31-year-old Dubliner said that he was hanging up his gloves following his third successive defeat to Joe Ward in an Elite Championships light-heavyweight final at Dublin’s National Stadium.

Egan’s surprise announcement arrived almost twelve years to the day since he beat Conall Carmichael 11-6 to claim his first Elite title at middleweight on February 23, 2001.

The Beijing 2008 silver medallist, one of the most decorated Irish and international boxers of his generation, was well beaten by 19-year-old Ward, the current European champion running out a 25-5 victor to secure his third consecutive belt before his 20th birthday.

Ward, gracious in victory, was the first to lead the tributes to his fellow southpaw and Ireland team-mate

He said: “Ken Egan is a wonderful boxer,has been a wonderful ambassador for Ireland. I wish him all the best in his retirement and hope he goes on to achieve all he now wants to achieve. It’s sad this day had to come but it’s like any other legend, it has to end sometime.”

His legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest exponents of the nobel art intact, Egan, who received a sustained standing ovation from a packed National Stadium after his announcement, said that he believed that the final bell on his 13th straight Elite final was a fitting occasion to retire.

He said: ” This day was always going to come but I thought tonight would be fitting for it. I don’t think I could go any further with the talent that’s in the wings.

“Joe is an exceptional talent and improving all the time. I thought I’d test him this year but he’s getting that bit better all the time and it’s brilliant to see.”

Meanwhile, London 2012 Olympian Adam Nolan was celebrating on the double after retaining his welterweight title and also scooping the Boxer of the Tournament award.

Nolan produced an excellent display of counter-punching in the opening two rounds against 2009 champion Willie McLaughlin, but the Donegal man came storming back in the third stanza of a thrilling contest to test the Wexford-born southpaw.

Nolan, however, weathered the storm to secure a 23-12 win – and his third Elite belt in-a-row.

Elsewhere on Friday, Belfast’s Michael Conlan showed his class to nail his third Elite flyweight crown with a third successive victory over Kildare’s Chris Phelan.

“The plan was to keep moving against Chris, he’s a good strong fighter, you need to be fit. My footwork was key, it prevailed in there tonight,” said the London 2012 bronze medallist.

Meanwhile, it isn’t often an Irish boxer has to overcome a current European champion to retain his belt, but that’s exactly what Ross Hickey had to do versus Ray Moylette before claiming his third title in-a-row and his fourth overall at different weights since 2008.

The Grangecon BC southpaw edged the first 4-3, but was rocked backward by a big right from Moylette in the second round of an explosive light-welter clash. Moylette, ranked No. 8 in the world by AIBA, won the second 5-4 to level it at 8-8, but the classy Hickey, working superbly behind his jab, won the third 7-3 to earn a 15-11 decision.

Declan Geraghty, who obliged Gary McKenna to take a standing count off a right in the first, and rangy Belfast southpaw Seam McComb secured the vacant bantam and lightweight titles.

McComb, who boxes out of the Holy Trinity BC in Belfast, had too much fire power for George Bates and was 12-5 up and cruising going into the third, while 2009 champion Geraghty was always on top against McKenna.

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Dublin’s National Stadium is gearing itself up for Elite National Championships Finals Night……

The Irish Daily Star sponsored Elite Championships finals will be held at Dublin’s National Stadium on Friday night (February 22nd).

Finals Night (7pm).

Friday’s weigh-in will be held between 8.30am and 9.30am and 12pm and 1pm at the National Stadium.

Elite 2013 National Championships Finals National Stadium Dublin February 22nd (7pm)

(Running order)

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