Seven Irish make Euro last eight

Ireland has seven boxers through to the last-eight of the European Union Elite Men’s Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Michael O’Reilly and Dean Gardiner joined Hughie Myers, David Oliver Joyce, Dean Walsh John Joe Joyce, Darren O’Neill in the last-eight with wins yesterday.

O’Reilly outclassed Slovakian middleweight Henrich Bagan, the Irish Elite champion rarely moving out of second gear en route to a unanimous decision (30-25,30-27,30-27).

Giant Tipperary super-heavy Gardiner was involved in a much tighter affair with Kristiyan Stefanov. The Bulgarian won the second round.

But Gardiner’s claimed the first – he wobbled the Bulgarian with a big right hook – and third frames to earn a unanimous (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) verdict.

Hughie Myers will be the first Irish boxer in action today against England’s Oliver Simpson.

“They had a test match in Sheffield when we were in training camp.

That was 50-50, but neither ourselves or England were showing everything, said Irish head coach Billy Walsh.

” Michael and Dean performed well today. Michael and Darren are facing tough tests against Georgian opponents in the quarter-finals. The Georgian lads are physical and they throw lots of shots. We delighted to have seven through, but it’s going to get tougher from here on in.”