Joe Ward v Julio La Cruz today
WARD DOMINATES OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPION
Irish captain Joe Ward, Conor Quinn, Kieran Molloy and George Bates had to settle for bronze this afternoon at the Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany.
But Dublin heavyweight Kiril Afanasev advanced to Saturday’s final on a walkover and will meet Erislandy Savon, nephew of three-time Olympic champion Felix Savon, for 91kg gold.
Irish head coach Zaur Antia
Challenging the best is the key to growth and development, according to Irish head coach Zaur Antia with the Irish Elite team at the Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany.
Five bronze medals are guaranteed at the 45th edition of the tournament – Ireland’s most expansive haul in terms of quantity at a multi-nations acknowledged as one of the most prestigious in the world – courtesy of Irish captain and three-time European Elite Joe Ward, Conor Quinn, George Bates, Kieran Molloy and Kiril Afanasev.
Ireland will be taking home at least five bronze medals from the Chemistry Cup in Germany.
George Bates, Kieran Molloy, Kiril Afanasev and European gold medallist Joe Ward joined Conor Quinn in Friday’s semi-finals after recording last-eight wins today in Halle.
Bates and Molloy impressively beat Canada’s Lucas Bandi and Slovak welter Thomas Zold.
Ireland celebrated a high-five at the 45th Chemistry Cup in Halle Germany today.
Wayne Kelly, George Bates, Kieran Molloy and Kurt Walker won their last 16 bouts and Conor Quinn secured victory in the last-eight at the 45 edition of the tournament.
Quinn’s quarter-final win – a unanimous decision over German flyweight Umar Bajwa – guarantees at least bronze.
Wayne Kelly and Michael Nevin are in action in the last-eight of the Chemistry Cup in Germany this morning.
The Portlaoise BC pair meet the Ukraine and India in Halle.
George Bates, Kieran Molloy, Conor Quinn and Kurt Walker are also between the ropes today in the quarter-finals.
Day 1 will be decided over three sessions beginning at 11am, 2.30pm and 7pm (Irish times).