KELLY CLAIMS BRONZE IN ODESSA

 

Wayne Kelly had to settle for bronze versus Yuri Shepelyk of Ukraine at the Trestin Memorial in Ukraine today.

Shepelyk earned a unanimous decision over the Westmeath southpaw in the light-welter class to advance to Saturday’s finals.

Shepelyk earned a 30-37, 30-27, 29-28,29-28,29-28 verdict.

The host nation provided the five judges and the ref for the three rounder.

Boxing2019 – Semen Trestin Memorial Tournament Day4 Results

“Out of my control (the decision) really but happy to get the fights in, every fight and every competition is all preparing me to be the best I can become for the Olympic qualifiers in February,” said Kelly.

“Just happy the way the trip went. I was fortunate to have 4 fights with 3 wins. I’m happy with the coaches help and feedback and looking forward to getting home to recover and regroup, back to the drawing board with my coaches both club and internationally.

The 2018 Irish Elite champion also reckons 2020, the year of the 32nd Olympiad, will be a big year for him.

“I believe I will have a big breakthrough in the next year with big things happening. I’m feeling very positive going forward,” he added.

Irish coaches Eoin Pluck and Jimmy Halpin, speaking after Friday’s semi-final, said they believed that Kelly won rounds two and three. His cleaner shots and footwork also impressed in round one.

The Portlaoise BC man won three bouts en route to the last four. Today’s decision brings Ireland’s competitive interest in the tournament to a close.

Kelly will be presented with his medal tomorrow. Ireland’s five-strong squad won 7 of their 12 contests in Odessa and are due to arrive home at 3.30pm via Dublin Airport on Sunday afternoon.

23rd Trestin Memorial Odessa, Ukraine

July 9

Last 32

63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) beat Vaghinak Bazeyan (Armenia) 5-0
69kg Aiden Walsh (Ireland) lost to Tibenius Barbuso (Hungary) 1-4
75kg Emmet Brennan (Ireland) beat Igor Harchenko (Ukraine) 5-0

Last 16

81kg Tommy Hyde (Ireland) beat Hindawl Al Oada (Jordan) 5-0

July 10

Last 16

63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) beat Zoravov Petrosayan (Ukraine) 3-2
75kg Emmet Brennan (Ireland) beat Nikita Yakimchyk (Ukraine) 5-0
91kg Kenny Okungbowa (Ireland) beat Shangarbek Batynula (Kazakhstan) RTD2

July 11

Q/Finals

63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) beat Denys Pesotskyi (Ukraine) 3-2 (fight stopped in round two, cuts)
75kg Emmet Brennan (Ireland) lost to Ivan Papakyn (Ukraine) 0-5
81kg Tommy Hyde (Ireland) lost to Dannylo Zhasan (Ukraine) 0-5
91kg Kenny Okungbowa (Ireland) lost to Eshish Husain (Jordan) 0-3

July 12

S/Finals

63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) lost to Yuri Shepelyk (Ukraine) 0-5

Irish squad

63kg Wayne Kelly (Portlaoise) (Bronze)
69kg Aidan Walsh (Monkstown)
75kg Emmet Brennan (Glasnevin)
81kg Tommy Hyde (Mayfield)
91kg Ken Okungbowa (Athlone)

Coaches: Eoin Pluck and Jimmy Halpin