Darren O’Neill considered retiring from boxing before heavyweight switch

Former Olympic captain Darren O’Neill has revealed he considered quitting the ring before reviving his career as a heavyweight.

Kilkenny native O’Neill begins the defence of his Irish 90kg title at the 2016 National Elite Championships on Saturday, taking on Stephen Lawrence in the quarter-finals.

The national championships are being held early with a view to team selection for the Rio Olympic qualifiers next year and O’Neill is hoping to reach his second Games, having competed at London 2012 as team captain.