O’Neill through to last eight

Darren O’Neill continued Ireland's good run at the European Boxing Championships today by defeating Dutchman Dimitri Serdjork to move into the last eight.

The Paulstown Boxing Club man is Ireland's third quarter-finalist. He will face Fundo Mhura of Scotland for a place in the last four and a guaranteed bronze medal.

Although he is making his senior championship debut as a middleweight (75 kg), O'Neill has been impressive at the tournament.

The 32-year-old Dutch champion, originally from Russia, had 12 years experience over the 20-year-old Kilkenny man, but couldn't cope with him as he dominated the centre of the ring from the first bell.

Scores of 9-6 round 1, 17-9 round 2 and 26-11 round 3 tell the story of O'Neill's dominance.

“I felt really good in rounds 3 and 4 when I got my rhythm going and never felt in danger at any point in the fight", said O’Neill.