Conlan wins for Germany in WSB
By IABA Press Officer Bernard O’Neil
Michael Conlan did his bit for Germany in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) in Germany on Saturday night.
But the London 2012 bronze medallist’s classy win in Hanua might not be enough to advance Team Deutschland to the semi-finals.
Conlan earned a comprehensive unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45,50-45) over Kazakh southpaw Meirholat Toitov of the Astana Arlans.
But Germany lost the quarter-final 3-2 on the night and must meet the defending champions over five bouts in Almaty, Kazakhstan on April 5 in the return leg.
Conlan won’t be lining out for the Germans in the return because of the mandatory rest period, nor will his Irish team-mate David Oliver Joyce, who is also signed with Team Deutschland.
Basically, Team Germany must win the second leg 4-1 or 5-0 – or 3-2 and win the tie breaker. Anything less and they will be bidding auf wiedersehen to the tournament.
In the event of the second leg finishing 3-2 to Germany, Ilivas Suleimenov and Steven Maleika will meet in a tie breaker at flyweight.
David Oliver Joyce’s St Michael’s Athy team-mate, Eric Donovan, helped the Arlans win the title last season.
