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Champion Conor Wallace backing U22 stars to make big impact in Elite Seniors


Conor Wallace believes the die-hard fight fans that took in the underage championships in the National Stadium last weekend got a glimpse of the talent that could populate its Elite Senior counterpart next month.

With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, the Gold Coast bound light heavyweight doesn’t know whether he will enter the first of two scheduled 2018 Seniors, but he does claims competing in the talent-packed Under-22s was the perfect preparation.

The Holy Family Drogheda fighter may not be too sure of his own participation, but does foresee a host of emerging talent that impressed in the Under-22s bidding to win the biggest domestic amateur prize later this month.

Wallace defeated reigning champion, Brian Kennedy of Offaly, to take the title at the weekend.

“My main goal is the Commonwealth Games obviously, but I will speak to my coaches and see what lies ahead for the next few weeks and months,” Wallace told Irish-boxing.com after he picked up his seventh Irish title on Saturday afternoon. 

“These [Under-22s] are a great stepping stone before the Elites, I think a lot of lads that entered you will also see in the Elites.”

“I beat the Irish Intermediate champion and last years under-22 champion to win the title so there were good quality opponents in it and a good warm-up before the Elites.”

With the likes of, WSB depending, Joe Ward and last year’s runner-up Tony Browne populating Wallace’s weight, it would be a big challenge to claim top honours, but the Newry puncher claims he is growing in confidence and ability since teaming up with the Ulster High Performance team.

“Training with the best of lads, Olympians, World ,and European medalists, under head coach John Conlan. I feel I’m improving all the time and it showed in the final,” he added before reflecting on the final win over Kennedy.  

“Most of people there said it was fight of the day. Brian was the reigning champion and I knew I had to perform to beat him. He’s a tough lad he took some big shots fair play to him.”

“I felt I was in control and dominated every round.”

Photo Credit: William McNamara – WMC Photograhy

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