AmateurHeadline News

Nolan edges through at European Championship

Adam Nolan scored an impressive victory at the European Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria. The only Irish boxer in the ring today was impressive en-route to winning his round of 32 bout with Turkey’s Önder Şipal.

The 28 year old Wexford southpaw was attacked from the off by his Turkish opponent who came out throwing lots of punches. The Turk shaded the first on workrate. In a close second Nolan began to be more assertive with his jab before the Turk was docked a point for use of the head. Nolan then put in an impressive final round and the Bray Garda scored with numerous eye-catching shots to take the all-important third stanza.

The bout went to scorecards and Ireland’s 2012 Olympian won a majority decision (29-27 x2, 28-28) – meaning that Nolan would have won regardless of the points deduction.

Şipal was a quality opponent having participated in the Beijing Olympics as well as qualifying for next year’s Rio Games after AIBA Pro Boxing welterweight world champion.

Nolan will face another tough test in the next round when he meets Russia’s Radzhab Butaev – the tournament’s #1 seed. The Russian youngster recently qualified for next year’s Olympic’s via the World Series of Boxing. This round of 16 bout will take place on Tuesday afternoon.

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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