Massive Blow: High Performance boss Billy Walsh to quit for USA role
Billy Walsh looks set to leave his job as Irish High Performance Coach and take up a role with the American amateur boxing association.
Walsh, who is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest ever sports coaches across any field, has taken up an offer to coach the American Olympic Women’s team according to reports in the Sun and Independent last night.
The Wexford native has been in charge of an unprecedented period of success for Irish amateur boxing winning medals on a consistent basis at major international championships in recent years.
Reports suggested that the Irish Sports Council were more than willing to match the financial package offered to Walsh by USA Boxing, but the pay was turned down on Tuesday night.
There has been a long history of tension between those running boxing’s High Performance and the IABA and it’s believed this is could be the catalyst behind the move.
Walsh, who was previously been head-hunted by the Australian and English federations, felt the High Performance Team should have complete control over team selections.
The Wexford man has been in the corner for seven of Ireland’s recent Olympic medalists, was in charge of Ireland’s recent success at the European Championships, helped create a conveyor belt of talent and turned Ireland into one of the most respected boxing countries in the World.
The potential departure comes less than a year from the Rio Olympics and is a massive blow for the country.
