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Dominic Bradley confident of turning tables on Davey Oliver Joyce


Dominic Bradley was defeated in two major competitions last month but the Derry lightweight plans to triumph when it really counts.

The Errigal boxer fights in the Irish National Elite final this Saturday night, boxing Davey Oliver Joyce in the 60kg decider.

Bradley was beaten by the Ballymun talent in the Irish Under-22 semi-finals last month and was also edged by Barry McReynolds in the Ulster final but the hard-working teen feels this all has him ready to claim Irish boxing’s biggest prize.

Captain of the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games team, Bradley believes he can reverse his recent loss to Joyce.

The Ulster youngster explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “Me and Davey had a very close fight in the under-22s where he got the decision and went on to win the competition. On that occasion I feel like I let Davey get into too much of a rhythm and didn’t quite get going the way I can.

“Although, I finished that fight really strong, and I think that will have an effect moving into this one which promises to be another cracker but I’m 100% confident I can turn the tables this time.”

READ: “It’s completely different now” – Davey Oliver Joyce

A week after his first fight with Joyce, Bradley got a taste of the big time, fighting at a capacity Ulster Hall.

While he was also edged that night, the Foylesider feels the big night experience will pay dividends on Saturday.

Bradley recalled how “the Ulster Hall is a great venue with an amazing atmosphere and I’m sure a packed out Stadium will match it, so I definitely think the experience will stand to me on Saturday.”

“The biggest night on the calendar for Irish boxing, I feel like I have more than enough experience to take it in my stride.

Here Bradley has received a bye right to the final but, considering his recent activity, he doesn’t see it as a major issue.

The Swatragh puncher noted how “I’ve been very active the last few months with these competitions and had loads of fights and sparring, so for me at the minute it’s just keeping that sharpness there.”

“I’ve been training heavily the last few months getting ready for the under-22s and Ulster elites and had a trip to Birmingham three weeks ago boxing a top class English opponent and getting a win over there was great preparation.”

“I’m flying fit at the minute and I’ve been enjoying my training. the hard work has been done over the last few months and I’m just looking forward to putting in a winning performance on Saturday night.”

The 19-year-old was one of only three entries at lightweight – something he feels is due to the removal of 60kg from the Olympic roster.

While he disagrees with the move, Bradley is not focused on the five rings at the minute and only has eyes for the one at the National Stadium this Saturday night.

He stated that “for me, to remove 60kg from the Olympics is crazy. Over the last few years it’s been one of the most talented weights and has serious competition.”

“I think the poor entry this year is an obvious reflection on this but with the European Games holding the weight is a bonus.”

“For me, this year, I don’t mind, I’m not worried about chasing Olympics and jumping weight at the moment, I’m still young and have loads of time so I’m taking it steadily and gathering all the experience I can and my time for Olympics will come.”

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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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