Two medals in bag but coach sick for Nevin

IRELAND’S Elite boxing team will be taking home at least two bronze medals from the European Championships following quarter-final wins for former and current AIBA World Youth champions Joe Ward and Ray Moylette in Ankara, Turkey yesterday.

But there was last-eight disappointment for Ireland captain Darren O’Neill, John Joe Nevin, Willie McLaughlin and Michael Conlon.

Mayo light-welter Moylette came from being 6-3 down after the first round to beat fancied Russian Maksim Ignatiev 14-13 to set up tomorrow’s semi-final with Hajiliyev Heybatulla of Azerbaijan.

Ward came from being 6-4 in arrears after the first round to oust Italian light-heavy Fiori Simeno on a 15-13 verdict in just his eighth senior fight.

The 17-year-old, who boxes out of the Moate BC in Westmeath, will now face experienced Hungarian Imre Szello in the last four.

Belfast flyweight Michael Conlon lost to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Vincenzo Picardi. The Italian was handed a 26-20 decision over the 19-year-old.

“Michael was in against a very experienced opponent and he gave it 110% and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“This is his first major international tournament and he has a big future in the sport,” said IABA director of boxing Dominic O’Rourke.

Donegal welterweight Willie McLaughlin lost out to Zaal Kvachatadze of Georgia. A cracking 69kg duel saw Kvachatadze take an 18-15 lead into the third round en route to a 28-21 win

In the middleweight category, Kilkenny southpaw Darren O’Neill dropped a 17-10 verdict to Dmytro Mytrofanov of the Ukraine just a year after winning European silver in Moscow.

Cavan bantamweight Nevin, meantime, was on the receiving end of a controversial 13-12 reversal to Dmitry Polyanskiy of Russia, a decision which Ireland team officials questioned.

“John Joe won all three rounds. There is no doubt in my mind about that,” said Georgia-born Irish coach Zuar Antia, who is working Ireland’s corner along with head coach Billy Walsh and Jimmy Halpin.

“We are very disappointed with that result. I believe we should have four in the semi-finals as Michael boxed incredibly well against a very experience boxer.”

O’Rourke added: “We’re delighted for Ray and Joe. To get amongst the medals at this tournament is a fantastic achievement by any standard and they can be very proud of their performances today as can the rest of the team.

“I thought that John Joe was very hard done by and I thought he won to tell the truth. It was a very questionable decision.

“Even the neutrals in the crowd booed as they thought that John Joe won.

“It’s very disappointing, especially at this level.”

Results — 52kg: Michael Conlon (St John Bosco) lost to Vincenzo Picardi (Italy) 20-26; 54kg: John Joe Nevin (Cavan) lost to Dmitry Polyanskiy (Russia) 12-13; 64kg: Ray Moylette (St Anne’s) beat Maksim Ignatiev (Russia) 14-13; 69kg: Willie McLaughlin (Illies GG) lost to Zaal Kvachatadze (Georgia) 21-28; 75kg: Darren O’Neill (Paulstown) lost to Dmytro Mytrofanov (Ukraine) 10-17; 81kg: Joe Ward (Moate) beat Fiori Simeno (Italy) 15-13.

Semi-finals (Tomorrow): 64kg: Ray Moylette (St Anne’s) v Hajiliyev Heybatulla (Azerbaijan); 81kg: Joe Ward (Moate) v Imre Szello (Hungary).

Picture: ON TOP: Light-heavyweight Joe Ward (red) goes on the attack against Italy’s Fiori Simeno yesterday as he booked a semi-final place at the European Championships in Ankara. Picture: INPHO/Cathal Noonan