Round one to Ireland in sporting battle with France

YOUNG Conor Ahern got Ireland off to a flying start at the Multi-Nations Boxing Tournament in Cork last night when he out-pointed Sofiane Takoucht of France by just one point, 29-28, to win the light flyweight title and reverse a decisive decision which went to Takoucht at the inaugural EU championships in Toulon last month.

This was a spectacular performance from the Baldoyle youngster who was having only his fourth senior contest and is heir apparent to the national senior light flyweight title which will be decided at next month’s championships.

Last night he faced an enormous task. The Frenchman had beaten him 28-17 in Toulon so he a big margin to reverse and, for much of the contest, it appeared as if it was an assignment that was beyond him.

Takoucht, a southpaw, was taller and enjoyed reach advantage. He scored with some direct and crisp punches but Ahern, the bigger puncher, came back with two fisted combinations that had him well in touch at the end of the first round which the Frenchman won 8-6.

An action packed second round had the capacity attendance on its feet.

The Frenchman stuck to his game plan, flinging out an accurate right jab, that earned him the points that mattered as Ahern came after him with a succession of two-fisted combinations that might have won him the round but he had to settle for even steven ­ 8-8 ­ despite the fact that Ahern had finished the round with two big right crosses.

The third round saw Ahern eventually pull back a point but it was hard work against a man who had collapsed during Tuesday night’s opening ceremony but was certainly feeling no affects of that experience.

Ahern’s combinations to the head and body saw him trail by 24-23 going into the final round and he was now pressing forward. He was rewarded with a well earned 29-28 decision.

There was no such luck for Ireland’s flyweight, Thomas Lee, one of two brothers from Oughterard in action last night. He went in against the experienced Canadian Sebastian Gauthier, a bronze medallist at the world championships in Belfast two years ago.

He was doing well but always in danger of shipping a big punch and it finally came in the final minute of the opening round when a big left hook to the head sent him to the canvas. It was clear that he was not going to recover in time and coach Billy Walsh, had no hesitation in retiring him.