GOLD BECKONS FOR BARNES AND CONLAN IN EURO FINALS

Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes up for at least silver in final of Euro fights

Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes up for at least silver in final of Euro fights

BELFAST boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan are guaranteed to bring home silver medals from the European Championships after the pair won their semi-finals in Belarus.

Barnes recorded a unanimous points victory over Salman Alizada of Azerbaijan at light fly-weight.

Fly-weight Conlan defeated Russian Ovik Ogannisian on a split-points decision to set up a final against Welshman Andrew Selby on Saturday.

John Joe Nevin and Donegal’s Jason Quigley also won their semi-finals.

Bantamweight Nevin defeated Wladimir Nikitin of Russia on a split decision.

Despite constant pressure from his Russian opponent, the Mullingar man found time and space to pick him off with a lovely variety of shots, while also showing great movement to avoid being caught.

Quigley overcame a fierce challenge from Yevhen Khytrov, who won the middleweight gold at the 2011 World Championships.

The 22-year-old came out strong, attacking the Ukranian world champion to take all three rounds for the best win of his career..

Michael Conlan guaranteed at least a silver medal in Minsk

Michael Conlan guaranteed at least a silver medal in Minsk

Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Barnes won after the judges scored the three round bout 30-27 30-27 30-27.

Despite a stoppage for Barnes to receive treatment on a badly bloodied nose, the 26-year-old’s work-rate was too much for his young opponent.

Barnes will now fight Russia’s David Ayrapetyan in the final on Saturday.

Olympic bronze medallist Conlan dominated his semi-final and was rarely troubled by Ogannisian but surprisingly one judge gave the fight to the Russian, with the score 30-27, 28-29, 30-27.

 

 

 

Share |


Comments are closed.

BD Top 5
FacebookTwitter
BD TV
Email Us