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‘I just can’t get caught’ – Ginty giving ‘heavy puncher’ Evelyn Igharo respect ahead of Elite final

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Ciara Ginty admits she will have to have her wits about her if she is to win her second National Elite Championship title tonight.

The youth Olympic silver medal winner made a successful return to her more natural weight of 64kg when beating Clodagh Greene of Crumlin by unanimous decision in Wednesday’s semi finals.

She now takes on emerging talent Evelyn Igharo of Clann Naofa in tonight’s decider.

The Dundalk fighter, one of a number of impressive youth graduates to be first timing in the Elites, has impressed throughout her youth career, winning Irish titles as well as European Youth silver.

She certainly looks to have brought the power she was noted for into the adult ranks, indeed she stopped her semi final opponent within a round on Wednesday.

Ginty didn’t quite get to study her foe’s display, but is aware getting caught flush tonight may not be the best idea.

“I didn’t really watch it because I was warming up, but I know of her and she is a heavy puncher. I just can’t get caught. I have to watch out for her big shots, but you’d don’t want to get hit by anyone in boxing,” Ginty said after the clash.

Due to her pedigree and experience, despite only being 21-years-old, Ginty will be favourite going ahead of the final. She feels the semi-final will stand her in good stead after a break, but her humble approach won’t allow her to predict victory.

“I am very happy with that fight. I haven’t been in the ring for a while now, so it’s good to get that fight and get back in,” she said of the semi final.

“I have been doing plenty of training, but in the ring it’s a bit different. It was more about getting my sharpness back. I am not one for predictions, I get in there and do my best, that’s all I can do.”

Speaking after her semi final win Igharo was equally verbally non combative.

The teen prospect was happy with her win, the manner of it and is aware of the challenge that awaits. 

“I’m happy with the way I performed. It’s a big step up from youth level. When she [Gillian Duffy] fought in the Elites last year she got stopped at 69 kilo in the third round so it felt great to get her out of there in the first,” she said.

Speaking on her opponent for the final Friday she added: “I’ve seen her box before and obviously she’s youth Olympian so I hopefully can get the win.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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