Joyce ‘excited’ at taking on Nolan

JOHN JOE JOYCE is set to kick start his build up to next year’s Olympic Games at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Cork on December 10 when he will be part of the bill built around the visit of the NYPD to box a Garda selection, promoted by Rylane Boxing Club.

The 24-year-old Mullingar man, who boxes out of the St. Michael’s Club in Athy, was thrilled with the news his opponent on the night will be national senior welterweight champion Adam Nolan (Bray).

“It will be exciting,” he said. “Adam is the reigning champion and obviously everyone wants to box him at the moment.

“I would have expected him to box with the Garda team against the NYPD as he is a Garda but, needless to say, I will jump at the opportunity,” he added.

Joyce went to the last Olympics in Beijing as a light welterweight and his victory over Hungarian Gyula Kate on a 9-5 result was one of the most exciting of the tournament.

But he later bowed out to Felix Diaz (Dominican Republic) in a rough and tumble round 16 contest that went to a countback after the result was tied at 11-11.

But that’s all history now and so, too, is the box-off for the world championships which did not go his way.

“I was in terrific shape before the box-off but I ended up in bed with a virus and to say I was not myself would be an understatement.

“But that’s all water under the bridge and I have to look to the future — onwards and upwards.

“Looking back on the past couple of years I feel I trained too hard too early so I intend to take my time — get in a few fights and aim for the seniors.

“Obviously you are always going to have the Olympics at the back of your mind, but I don’t want to look too far ahead.

“You can’t do that in this game — one fight at a time.

“And who better to start with than Adam Nolan. He is a very good champion. I beat him three times at under-age level, but we have never boxed at this level. He is not the only one out there. There is a whole queue out there — Willie (McLaughlin), Roy (Sheahan), Paddy Gallagher and young Michael O’Reilly from Portlaoise, who is an up and coming boxer.”

Tickets go on sale for the Green Glens show this weekend and information can be had at 021 7339001 or from any member of the Rylane Boxing Club who stage the tourney along with the Garda Boxing Club.