Some of the legends of Irish boxing recorded wins in an impressive away performance by Ireland versus Wales in Barry 30 years ago.
Drimnagh BC pair Paul Griffin and Michael Carruth – who would go on to win gold at the European Elites in Gotenburg and the Barcelona Olympics in 1991 and 1992 – had their hands raised in victory on walkovers.
Also a World Elite medallist, Carruth received a walkover over Joe Calzaghe who switched codes, claimed a WBO title and retired undefeated after 46 wins (32 by way of KO) in the pro ranks.
It’s believed that Calaghe had to withdraw from the all southpaw battle with Carruth because of an injury. Our money would have been on the Olympic gold medalists versus the WBO titlist!
Almost ironically, given that Ireland posted a 9-2 victory, the visitors had to come from behind to win after Pat Cosgrave lost out in the first bout.
Roy Nash, John McEvoy, Brian Geraghty, Gordon Joyce, Denis Galvin, Dan Curran, Raymond Keane, Griffin and Carruth won at the Vale Of Glamorgan Leisure Centre.
Eddie Fisher also lined out for Ireland versus Wales.
The results from the second leg are unavailable but Ireland won the Celtic derby 18-4.
Wales v Ireland
Vale of Glamorgan, Barry, Wales
November 23, 1990
48kg Mark Hughes (WAL) beat Pat Cosgrove (IRL) AB2
54kg Roy Nash (IRL) beat Steve Cook (WAL) RSC2
54kg Paul Griffin (IRL) beat Julian Cody (WAL) WO.
60kg John McEvoy (IRL) beat Lee Butler (WAL) 2:1
63,5kg Brian Geraghty (IRL) beat Jason Matthews (WAL) 2:1
67kg Michael Smyth (WAL) beat Eddie Fisher (IRL) 3:0
67kg Michael Carruth (IRL) beat Joe Calzaghe (WAL) WO.
71kg Gordon Joyce (IRL) beat Matthew Turner WAL 2:1
75kg Denis Galvin (IRL) beat Steve Thomas WAL 3:0
81kg Dan Curran (IRL) beat Lee Hogan WAL 3:0
91kg Raymond Kane (IRL) beat Hank Hartt WAL PTS