Fighting Irish boxers aiming towards fabulous 40

The ‘medal magnets’ have well departed to pursue fame and treasure in the paid ranks — but new stars are emerging as Irish boxing is within striking distance of the 40-medal mark this year, with two tournaments remaining in 2018.

Some of Ireland’s top boxers turned professional after a deeply disappointing Rio 2016 for the sport in Ireland, Katie Taylor, Michael Conlan, and Paddy Barnes claimed an astonishing four Olympic, seven World, and 17 European Elite, European Union, and European Games’ gold, silver, and bronze medals in an 11-year period in the amateur ranks. Twenty one of those medals were gold.