AmateurHeadline News

Rhys Moran left disgusted following split semi loss


Rhys Moran thought he had scored one of the biggest wins of his career last weekend but now finds himself in a place of uncertainty.

The Waterford light heavyweight faced Mayo’s Sean Conroy in the semi-finals of the National U22 Championships in Dublin and felt he had done enough but was edged out on a 3-2 split decision by the former European Schoolboys and World Junior bronze medallist.

Moran admits that the result has him considering his future in the amateurs.

The St Paul’s fighter will remain in the vest for now, but a switch could be in the pipeline sooner than planned or expected.

A dejected Moran got in contact with Irish-Boxing.com and described how “I was disgusted not to get the decisions I trained so hard for the competition as I do for every other competition.”

“Amateur boxing stinks with decisions like that.”

“What killed me the most was knowing myself I won the fight, I had a smile on my face when the bell rang knowing I won but when they called a split I knew it was given against me!”

Pro boxing is booming in Waterford currently, with Dylan Moran, Rohan Daté, Barry Barnes, Craig McCarthy, and Michael Duggan all representing the Déise, with potentially two shows in the city in 2019.

Moran, though, isn’t going to make any rash decisions.

The Ireland international noted how “pro boxing is great in Waterford but I’m staying amateur for the time being. I’m only 20 but we will see what the future holds.”

“The professional game was in my head but I want a major medal, an elite medal, but who knows? With decisions like that it could be sooner.”

Moran has now switched his focus to the Senior Elite Championships next month while Castlebar’s Conroy will go on to face another Waterford fighter – Kelyn Cassidy – in the U22 final next Friday [January 25th].

There is no grudge against Conroy from Moran who outlined how “I’ve picked myself up and dusted myself off.”

“I’m an elite level boxer, I’m not dwelling on last Saturday.”

“I wish Sean all the best, he’s a great kid.”

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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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