BLACK SEA GOLD FOR MOLLOY

Kieran Molloy claimed gold at the Pavlyukov Youth Memorial in Anapa, Russia today after completely outclassing Cuban light-welter Damien Sifonte-Lescay.

The Oughterard BC ace, a World Junior bronze medallist, nailed a 30-27 decision across the board from all three judges at the tournament known as the “Mini World Championships.”

Today’s win completes a hat-trick for Irish boxing as Willie Donoghue and Brendan Irvine won Pavlyukov Memorial gold in 2015 and 2014.

Ireland, courtesy of Molloy and European Youth champion Michael Nevin, will be bringing home gold and bronze from the 2016 edition of the tournament.

Amhran na bhFiann has received many an airing at the Black Sea holiday resort in international competition in recent years, and Irish team manager Gerry O’Mahony was thrilled to hear the Irish national anthem again today.

“Kieran was absolutely fantastic, a brilliant performance for the entire three rounds. It’s wonderful the hear Amhran na bhFiann and we’re thrilled with the win. They’ll be celebrating at the Oughterard club,” he said.

Irish coach Billy McClean said: “”Kieran was outstanding, absolutely outstanding. He wanted it so badly and worked so hard for it and throughout the tournament here this week, We can’t praise him highly enough for today’s performance.”

McClean also hailed the contribution of fellow Irish coach Fergal McKenna.

He added: “Fergal has worked tremendously hard in our training camp here and in the tournament itself and deserves enormous praise.”

The Boys in Green have been in training camp and competition with the top boxing nations in world in Anapa for 11 days. International Youth boxing is building up toward the World Youth Championships in St Petersburg, Russia in November.

Team Ireland are due to arrive home via Dublin Airport at 9.10pm tomorrow evening (Terminal 2).

Pavlyukov Youth Memorial Anapa, Russia March 11/16