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Cormac Long – “What I’m aiming for is Tokyo 2020”

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Limerick big man Cormac Long claimed top prize at the National Senior (Elite) Championships last Friday night to kick-start a journey that he hopes will end in Tokyo in four years time.

The Rathkeale heavyweight, a ten-time National champion at underage level, won his first adult All-Ireland at the National Stadium and he is looking forward to becoming a big player on the Irish scene.

The 19 year old stepped up to 91kgs for the tournament and came away a unanimous decision winner following an entertaining final against Marcin Skalski of the Leo’s club in Athlone.

Long spoke to Irish-Boxing.com afterwards and described how “it was tough, he was strong, and he was a lot older than me, so he carried a lot more natural strength – so I knew I had to box him.”

“It went well for rounds one and two anyway, but in the third I got a bit tired, I let him in a bit too much.”

“I got the result so I’m happy with that.”

The level-headed Limerick fighter a clear pathway in his head, and outlined how “the plan is to take the under 22s first in January, then rock straight into the Elites – and sure if I don’t win it this year it’s still a great stepping stone for next year and the year after.”

“This was my first competition now as a 91kg, I boxed 81kg from the age of about 13 until last year, I boxed 81kg all the way through I just couldn’t hold it any more. I’ll fill into the weight over the next few years.”

“What I’m aiming for is Tokyo 2020, so I want to be making that step up now as soon as I can.”

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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