JOHN JOE JOYCE (St Michael’s, Athy) was celebrating his move up to welterweight with another national title at the National Stadium last night but the defending champion, Willie McLaughlin (Illies GG, Donegal), was scratching his head on the wrong side of a 12-9 verdict.

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.

KENNY EGAN will make his first public appearance in the ring since Beijing in the semi-finals of the national senior championships tonight at the National Stadium.

IRISH AMATEUR boxing president Dominic O’Rourke believes the future stars of Irish boxing will be on display at the National Intermediate Championships which glove off at the National Stadium tonight.