Zaur Antia: I turned down other offers

Zaur Antia revealed he rebuffed a number of coaching offers from rival countries before taking up his position as Irish boxing’s interim head coach.

The 52-year-old Georgian was appointed in the fallout to Billy Walsh’s resignation after the Wexford native departed for a new coaching role with USA Boxing following months of failed contract negotiations with the IABA.

The IABA will tonight discuss a long-term coaching plan as the association’s board of directors meet at the Stadium, while officials from the association are also due to meet with Minister for Sport Michael Ring and representatives of Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) this afternoon.