Irish bantamweight fighter Johnny Joyce failed to progress to the next round of the Olympics following a loss against Felix Diaz of the Dominican Republic.

WHEN the Irish team assembled at O’Hare Airport for the return flight to Dublin after the world championships the atmosphere in the camp was one of tension as well as disappointment.

JOHN JOE NEVIN put the finishing touch to a memorable week in Pescara, Italy, by winning the gold medal in the 54Kg final of the AIBA European Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament.

HIGH Performance Director, Gary Keegan, will be awaiting the results of a meeting in Thailand this week when boxing’s world governing body, AIBA, could decide a new venue for the World Championships, which take place later this year.

JIM WALSH from Bruree has been appointed team manager for the Irish Olympic boxing team for the Beijing Games in 2008.