Wayne Kelly had to settle for bronze at the 67th Strandja multi-nations in Sofia, Bulgaria today.
The Ballynacargy BC light-welter was beaten on a unanimous decision by Russia’s Rio 2016 Olympian Vitaly Dunaytsev.
The current World and European Elite champion earned a unanimous 30-27 decision across the board from the 64kg clash.
Kelly, however, gave a fine account of himself against world class opposition and left everything in the ring, according to Irish team manager Joe Hennigan,
Kelly’s loss bring Ireland’s competitive interest in the 40-nation tournament to an end.
The Irish light-welter will be presented with his bronze medal tomorrow.
Team Ireland are due to arrive home via Dublin Airport on Sunday morning at 11.40am.