Irish duo secure bronze - at least

BOXING:IRELAND'S boxers will be taking home at least two bronze medals from the European Championships following quarter-final wins for former and current AIBA World Youth champs Joe Ward and Ray Moylette in Turkey yesterday.

But there was last-eight disappointment for Irish captain Darren O’Neill, a silver medal winner at the 2010 European Championships, John Joe Nevin, Willie McLaughlin and Michael Conlon in Ankara yesterday.

Mayo light-welter Moylette, who claimed World Youth gold in Mexico in 2008, came from being 6-3 down after the first round to beat fancied Russian light-welterweight Maksim Ignatiev 14-13 to set up tomorrow’s semi-final with Hajiliyev Heybatulla of Azerbaijan.

And Ward, who won gold at the 2010 World Youth Championships in Azerbaijan, came from being 6-4 in arrears after the first round to oust Italian light-heavy Fiori Simeno on a 15-13 verdict in just his eighth senior fight.

The 17-year-old, who boxes out of the Moate BC in Westmeath, will now face experienced Hungarian puncher Imre Szello in the last four.

Belfast flyweight Michael Conlon lost to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vincenzo Picardi. The Italian, who won a bronze medal at the 2007 AIBA World and 2010 European Championships, was handed a 26-20 decision over the 19-year-old.

Donegal welterweight Willie McLaughlin lost out to Zaal Kvachatadze of Georgia. A cracking 69kg duel saw Kvachatadze claim the first round 6-5 and take a 18-15 lead into the third en route to a 28-21 decision.

In the middleweight category, Kilkenny southpaw Darren O’Neill dropped a 17-10 verdict to Dmytro Mytrofanov of the Ukraine just a year after he won European silver at the Ice Palace in Moscow.

Cavan bantamweight Nevin, meantime, was on the receiving end of a controversial 13-12 reversal to Dmitry Polyanskiy of Russia, a decision which Irish team manager Des Donnelly, Dominic O’Rourke, and Irish coach Zuar Antia questioned.

“John Joe won all three rounds.There is no doubt in my mind about that,” said Georgia-born Antia, who is working Ireland’s corner along with head coach Billy Walsh and Jimmy Halpin in Ankara.

“We are very disappointed with that result. I believe we should have four in the semi-finals as Michael boxed incredibly well against a very experienced boxer. All our team boxed well today and Willie gave it everything.

“Ray and Joe did very well and they are through to the semi-finals. They have another big challenge ahead on Thursday.”

Today is a rest day for boxers; the semi-finals and finals will be held tomorrow and on Friday.