AmateurHeadline News

Ireland to take on top nations in Elite international tournament this month in Dublin

An Elite international tournament will take place at the National Stadium later this month, with Irish boxers going up against top European competition ahead of the European Championships in June

Ireland will meet France, Germany, Italy and Russia over three days on the South Circular Road.

Match dates are April 28th, 29th and 30th, with Russia naming a 20-strong squad for Dublin.

France and Italy will use 7 and 10-strong teams, with female boxers in the three Olympic weights of flyweight, lightweight and middleweight.

Germany – with ex-Irish coach Eddie Bolger at the helm – will bring a 10-strong panel to the home of Irish boxing.

Ireland will use two teams and have recently been training with the Ulster Elite squad in Belfast.

Irish head coach Zaur Antia believes the tournament is ideal preparation in the build up to the European Elite Men’s Championships in Kharkiv, Ukraine from June 14th to 25th.

“The teams coming to Dublin are very strong and our boxers will have world class competition against these opponents in Dublin,” said Ireland’s chief seconds.

The 2017 Elite Senior Championships took place in February with 10 male champions being crowned, including 4 first-time winners. These fighters will be in pole position for selection for Ukraine, however there will undoubtedly be competition among the large panel selected for this upcoming tournament.

2017 Elite men’s winners:
49kg: Blaine Dobbins (St Josephs)
52kg: Brendan Irvine (St Pauls)
56kg: Kurt Walker (Canal)
60kg: Pat Mongan (Olympic)
64kg: Sean McComb (Holy Trinity)
69kg: Dean Walsh (St Josephs/St Ibarrs)
75kg: Emmet Brennan (Glasnevin)
81kg: Joe Ward (Moate)
91kg: Darren O’Neill (Paulstown)
+91kg: Martin Keenan (Rathkeale)

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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