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KO Teen Callum Walsh won’t force final

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He goes into the the National Elite Championships final on the back of an impressive knockout win, but Callum Walsh is adamant his decider will be about technical skill and not physical prowess.

The European Junior gold medal winner was noted for his strength and relentless approach throughout his underage career, but still raised eyebrows as he blasted his way into his first final just weeks after becoming a senior operator.

The Cork welter is keen to stress he isn’t just a power puncher and has guile to go with his gutsy approach – and believes it’s just as well as he is aware you need more than heavy hands to beat Commonwealth Games so;ver medal winner Aidan Walsh on Friday night.

“I’ve worked hard on my technique and timing, I feel they go hand and hand, power has never been something I worked on,” he told Irish-Boxing.com.

“Power [won’t be the key on Friday]. I’ll be looking to my technique and timing as usual and working off our game plan.”

“Aidan Walsh is Commonwealth silver medalist. He came into these elites as one of the favorites, he’s highly regarded, so we’re expecting a very technical and tactical contest.”

Victory on Friday could allow the young Riverstown fighter to put his hand up to be selected for the Olympic qualifiers. The High Performance may prefer someone with more senior international experience, but to be a genuine option in a division that includes the likes of Walsh and Kieran Molloy is an achievement in itself.

However, the Rebel teen isn’t looking that far ahead – Friday and his fellow Walsh have all his attention.

“Like my quarter final and semi final. I’m fully focused on the task ahead. I am really looking forward to what should be a great final,” he adds before shutting down any Olympic talk.

“I am fully focused on my final, not looking beyond that.”

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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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