Coyle withdrawal means O'Neill retains national title

Derry boxer Conor Coyle has withdrawn from the 75kg final at the Elite National Seniors Boxing Championships due to injury.

His opponent Darren O'Neill, who will compete in this summer's London Olympics, now retains his title after the Derry middleweight withdrew with a hand injury.

The walkover means O'Neill, the defending champion and officially ranked third in the world by AIBA, has now won four Irish Elite titles in-a-row.

Coyle's coach Cahir Duffy said: "Conor has had a fine Championships and he was very much looking forward to final.

Duffy said the talented Derry prospect was devastated.

He said: "Everyone at the club is very disappointed that he won't be meeting Darren O'Neill tonight.

"The main thing is that he has proven at these Championships that he deserves to be up there with the Elites."