Body blow as leading coach resigns
The Wexford man’s departure will send shock waves not just through the High Performance Unit but across the world of boxing where he is highly rated.
Moore admitted yesterday that he had stayed with the programme for as long as he could – but it was no longer viable.
“I would have been working for €150 a week,” he said. “I love the job but I just could not do it for that money.”
The matter was discussed at a Board meeting last week and there were hopes the matter could be resolved but it never materialised.
“It’s not like somebody’s saying ‘I hope you enjoy your retirement’ as that’s not how it is. I regret leaving because I love the job and we have had some great times and great performances since I joined in 2006.”
As Head Coach to the youth and junior programme he masterminded a massive haul of medals from world youth and junior championships as well as European youths and junior championships and, most recently, at the Youth Olympic Games.
“Next year, 2011, is going to be a really big year for our youths and juniors as there are great prospects out there.
“Our youth categories are coming through into the pre-Elite programme and moving up into senior boxing. We saw our European youth champion, Jason Quigley, make it to the senior finals this year and just a couple of days ago he won a gold medal at the multi-nations tournament in the Czech Republic.”
Moore will move back to the more familiar role as coach to the Arklow Boxing Club where he coached his son, James, to a world bronze medal.
Paying tribute to him, Head Coach Billy Walsh said his departure would be sorely felt throughout the High Performance Programme, where he was in constant contact with all the boxers.
“He is going to be a massive loss - continuity is essential and he was key to that,” said Walsh. “My plan for this year was to move him to senior coach and bring in a new youth and junior coach which would relieve some of the pressure.
”The multi-medal successes at the Commonwealth Games, the multi nations tournaments in the Czech Republic (five gold and three silver from eight boxers) and Finland (one gold and four bronze from five) over the past week has everybody sitting up and taking notice again.
“Only one of our senior champions went to the Commonwealth Games and yet Northern Ireland emerged as the top team there. Our boxers are performing out of their skins at the moment,” stressed Walsh. “We have a week off training now and the Russians want us for a four-nation tournament in Moscow involving Ireland, Ukraine, France and Russia.
Meanwhile Andy Murray is already poised for a shot at the European title but the unbeaten Cavan man could be in line for a world title shot if he comes through his clash with world No 14 and WBO Latino champion, Claudinei “Volcano” Lacerda, at the Hunky Dorys Fight Night in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar, on November 11.
The Brazilian KO artist has put a possible world title shot on hold in a bid to end Murray’s 22 fight winning streak but Murray remains unperturbed.
“He’s aggressive and throws looping shots with both hands so I’ll have to be wary of them,” he said.
Murray is already in contention for the European title and a win over Lacerda could also see him take the Brazilian’s place in the world ratings.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
