Irvine storms into final in Baku – guarantees himself silver

Belfast light flyweight Brendan Irvine has upgraded his bronze medal at the European Games and is now guaranteed at least a silver at the multi-sport games in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 19 year old St Paul’s ABC fighter was majestic in his semi final, defeating Dmytro Zamotayev of the Ukraine by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2).

A close first round was split across the cards with one judge giving the nod to Irvine while the other two sided with Zamotayev, the 2013 European Youth Champion.

‘Wee Rooster’ upped his work rate in the second, landing an impressive range of shots and winning on all three scorecards. Entering the decisive stanza, Irvine and his superior fitness extinguished any hope of a Ukrainian comeback, scoring at will and taking the round in impressive fashion.

It has been a whirlwind week for the Ulster man at the Crystal Hall who has followed up his stunning quarter final victory over home favourite Salman Alizada with another eye-catching win today.

Irvine will now face Bator Sagaluev of Russia in the final tomorrow at 2:30 Irish time.