Irish boxers leave for World Championships

The Irish boxing squad leaves today for the 2007 WAIBA World Championships in Chicago.

The event, which begins on October 23, is a qualifying tournament for the Beijing Olympics next summer.

More than 120 countries have entered boxers in the competition with each weight category having between 50 and 70 boxers.

Irish boxers will have to win three fights to secure Olympic qualification.

Team Manager Jim Walsh said: "The squad has prepared meticulously for this competition. We know we have talented boxers and a great high performance programme so we are confident that each boxer will reach his personal target at the championships."