AmateurHeadline News

Michael Gallagher wins Olympic Bronze

Michael Gallagher secured a second medal for Irish boxing at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China today.

The Donegal heavyweight beat Korea’s Kim Jin-Nyong, a bronze medallist at the 2014 AIBA World Youth Championships, on a unanimous decision (29-28,29-28.30-27) in the 91kg box-off for bronze.

The judges split 2-1 in favour of Gallagher in the first and third rounds today, but the Finn Valley BC ace took the second frame 10-9 across the board en route to victory.

“Given the quality of the opponents here it’s  no mean achievement to win two medals with a three-strong squad (Ciara Ginty is guaranteed at least silver), said Irish team manager Stephen Connolly.

“Michael was outstanding today against a World Youth medallist. He worked hard against a tough opponent and kept getting his shots off. He can be very proud of his achievement today.

“Christina gave it 110% against a very good Australian opponent. She gave it absolutely everything and you couldn’t ask for anymore than that. “

Irish coach Billy McLean said after today’s finals.

“Michael is sitting over there now and he absolutely delighted with himself. He has good reason to be delighted as he was outstanding today against a tough opponent, an opponent that won bronze at the World Youths. We’re delighted with the win.

“Christina, as Stephen pointed out, gave it everything and she boxed her heart out against the Australian girl, who is also a World Youth medallist.”

Earlier today, Cork’s Christina Desmond, pictured right, lost out in her bronze medal box-off to Caitlin Parker.

desmond

The Australian middleweight, a silver medallist at the 2014 AIBA World Youth Championships, beat the 2013 World Youth silver medallist (at welterweight) on a unanimous decision.The final scores were 40-36 to Parker across the board after four, two minute rounds in Nanjing.

Meanwhile, Ciara Ginty, the 2013 AIBA World Junior champion, meets Jajaira Gonzalez of the USA, the 2014 AIBA World Youth champion, In Tuesday’s lightweight final. 

“Ciara is very focused and in good spirits ahead of Tuesday’s final. It’s promises to be a very tight bout between two world class boxers,” added Stephen Connolly.

Irish boxing, which has used five athletes at the last two Youth Olympics (Ryan Burnett won gold in 2010 in Singapore),  has now won three medals at Youth Olympic level. The exact colour of one of those medals will be determined tomorrow morning.

 

Youths Olympics Nanjing, China

August 23rd

Q/Finals

F60kg Ciara Ginty (Ireland) beat Monica Floridia (Italy) 3-0

M91kg Michael Gallagher (Ireland) beat Maksim Kazlou (Belarus) 3-0

August 24th

S/Finals

F60kg Ciara Ginty (Ireland) beat Esra Yildiz (Turkey) 2-0

F75kg Christina Desmond (Ireland) lost to Chen Nien Chin (Chinese Taipei) 0-3

M91kg Michael Gallagher (Ireland) lost to Yordan Hernandez (Cuba) 0-3

August 25th

Bronze medal Box-off

F75kg Christina Desmond (Ireland) lost to Caitlin Parker (Australia) 0-3

M91kg Michael Gallagher (Ireland) beat Kim Jin-Nyong (Korea) 3-0

August 26th

Final

F60kg Ciara Ginty (Ireland) v Jajara Gonzalez (USA) (9:45am)

(Estimated times (Irish) apply. Nanjing is seven hours ahead of Ireland)

Irish squad

60kg Ciara Ginty (Geesala) (Silver, at least)

75kg Christina Desmond (Macroom) (4th position)

91kg Michael Gallagher (Finn Valley) (bronze)

Team Manager: Stephen Connelly

Coach: Billy McClean

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