Ireland to face bruising test from powerful Russians

THE powerful Russians will visit Ireland a the end of the month to box two internationals, one at the National Stadium on April 27 and the other at Athlone IT on April 29.

While the pairings have yet to be decided, it has been confirmed Russia will have two boxers in the lightweight division in their nine-man team with representatives at featherweight, light welter, welterweight, middleweight, light heavy, heavyweight and super heavy.

Irish boxing chiefs the IABA has built a good relationship with the Russian federation in recent years and Irish boxers are set to train with them in advance of this year’s world championships as well as next year’s Olympic games.