Geraghty gets Irish challenge off to perfect start

THE draw did Irish boxers few favours at the world boxing championships in Milan and this was reflected on the first day of competition when they met with mixed fortunes.

Declan Geraghty got the Irish challenge off to the perfect start when he outpointed Mango Plange (Ghana) 12-5 in yesterday morning’s opener as 3 x 3 minute rounds were introduced for the first time since the 1996 Olympics alongside the new, revolutionary transparent scoring system.

The latter innovation meant that the Dublin Docklands flyweight could see that he had won all the rounds en route to what was a clearcut victory – taking the first 3-2, the second 5-2 and the third 4-1 to highlight his fitness and finishing power. He now meets Mumin Veli (Macedonia) who defeated Julio Bria (Indonesia) 19-9 in their contest.