MOLLOY AIMS TO IMPRESS IN THE USA

Kieran Molloy wants to cap a whirlwind two months with an impressive performance versus the USA on his Elite international debut in America this month.

The Galway welter has been named at 69kg on an 18-strong squad for three internationals with the Americans.

Both nations meet in Boston next Monday, Springfield on March 15 and Manchester, New Hampshire on March 21.

Eugene McKeever, who Molloy beat in the Irish Elite final last month, also lines out for Ireland.

Kansas City welter Marcus Dabidson is currently in training camp with the USA at their Colorado base.

Six-time Georgian Elite champion, Zaur Antia, Ireland’s head coach, is building his team toward Tokyo 2020.

Bernard Dunne, IABA High-Performance Director and former WBA World bantamweight kingpin, believes the treble header is ideal in the countdown to the 32nd Olympiad.

Meantime, February’s victory at Dublin’s National Stadium secured Molloy’s 9th Irish belt overall and his first Elite top of the podium finish – it was also a first at this level in the 56-year history of the Oughterard BC.

“I feel very comfortable in the welterweight category. My ultimate goal is to keep this up and qualify for the Olympics. That’s the dream at the end of the day and hopefully it will be a reality soon,” said the two-time European underage medalist.

Molloy, who is coached by his dad Stephen, also claimed World Youth lightweight bronze in the Ukraine in 2013, but with a bit of luck the colour of that medal could have been at least silver.

But he didn’t get a rub of the green in Kiev after a freak leg injury forced him to retire in the first round against Moldova’s Vladislav Tugui.

The Oughterard BC stand out, who edged European Elite bronze medalist Dean Walsh, defending champion and nephew of USA head coach Billy Walsh on a split decision in the last-four at the Elite Championships, is expecting support from ringside versus the Americans.

“I’m really looking forward to it, delighted all the hard work paid off for the Elites. I was delighted to be awarded best boxer award as well, he said.

“It really topped off a great night for me. I feel ready to take on USA. They are a very strong side by the looks of things but we also have a very good team and I’m sure the rest of the lads are looking forward to it.

“I also have relations in Boston who are going to come and watch the fights.”

Team Ireland depart for the USA on Thursday.