DARREN O’NEILL PRODUCED a remarkable performance to take his first steps towards an eighth Irish Elite boxing title as he edged out Kane Tucker on a 3-2 split decision in today’s 86kg quarter-final at the National Stadium, Dublin.
The Kilkenny man, 15 years Tucker’s senior at 36, had last fought competitively four years ago but his decade and more of senior experience was plain for all to see as he out-thought the Belfast youngster in a thrilling contest.
This was the first ever amateur cruiserweight bout in Ireland — 86kg is a new division — and 2012 Olympian O’Neill is now on course to become its inaugural winner despite stressing on Twitter afterwards that it was a “last-minute decision to enter…for the fun of it.
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“Who’d have thought you’d miss being punched in the face?” O’Neill added. The Kilkenny man, who once upon a time hurled at U21 level for his county, described himself as an “old dog for the hard road.”
In what was a close but explosive bout, former European Championship silver medalist O’Neill punctuated a brilliant display with a picturesque left uppercut to Tucker’s chin on the final bell.
He’ll face Ighosa Igharo for a place in the 86kg final.
Amid a jam-packed schedule at the Stadium today, Tokyo Olympian Kurt Walker was due to face Adam Hession in a 57kg quarter-final but he withdrew from the contest.
Team captain Brendan Irvine is the only other 2021 Olympian due to compete at this year’s Elites, with Aoife O’Rourke having retained her crown at 75kg due to a lack of other entrants at the weight class.
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Veteran O'Neill defeats prodigy Tucker to reach Elite semis after four years out of the ring
DARREN O’NEILL PRODUCED a remarkable performance to take his first steps towards an eighth Irish Elite boxing title as he edged out Kane Tucker on a 3-2 split decision in today’s 86kg quarter-final at the National Stadium, Dublin.
The Kilkenny man, 15 years Tucker’s senior at 36, had last fought competitively four years ago but his decade and more of senior experience was plain for all to see as he out-thought the Belfast youngster in a thrilling contest.
This was the first ever amateur cruiserweight bout in Ireland — 86kg is a new division — and 2012 Olympian O’Neill is now on course to become its inaugural winner despite stressing on Twitter afterwards that it was a “last-minute decision to enter…for the fun of it.
“Who’d have thought you’d miss being punched in the face?” O’Neill added. The Kilkenny man, who once upon a time hurled at U21 level for his county, described himself as an “old dog for the hard road.”
In what was a close but explosive bout, former European Championship silver medalist O’Neill punctuated a brilliant display with a picturesque left uppercut to Tucker’s chin on the final bell.
He’ll face Ighosa Igharo for a place in the 86kg final.
Amid a jam-packed schedule at the Stadium today, Tokyo Olympian Kurt Walker was due to face Adam Hession in a 57kg quarter-final but he withdrew from the contest.
Team captain Brendan Irvine is the only other 2021 Olympian due to compete at this year’s Elites, with Aoife O’Rourke having retained her crown at 75kg due to a lack of other entrants at the weight class.
The semi-finals will begin next Friday.
Saturday 18 September, men’s and women’s Irish Elite Boxing Championship quarter-finals
Afternoon session
Evening session
Friday 17 September, men’s and women’s Irish Elite Boxing Championships prelims
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