Analysis: Backed into a corner, IABA maintains silence in Billy Walsh fallout

Just like Saipan, nearly every sporting fan or figure has an opinion, but when it comes to the fallout from Billy Walsh’s resignation from Irish boxing, it is worth noting the points of Kenneth Egan.

A 10-year veteran of the High Performance Unit from its inception in 2003 until his retirement, the Olympic silver medallist maintains that the system is a delicately balanced structure. It may still have its imperfections, but after delivering numerous international medals, it is arguably the most successful operation in Irish sport. And not just anyone is capable of fostering the success that Walsh, Zaur Antia, and their fellow coaches have managed to create.

“It worked so well over the last 10, 12, 13 years,” said Egan, reflecting on Walsh’s decision to step away. “At the start it wasn’t perfect, we messed up a couple of times, we got our hands slapped [by the IABA]. It was a learning process.