Egan boxes clever to outclass Hungarian

KENNETH EGAN turned in the performance of his boxing career to outclass and outpoint the experienced Hungarian, Istvan Szucs, and qualify for the final of the European Union Championships in Sardinia last evening.

The Dublin light heavyweight - the most experienced boxer in Gary Keegan’s High Performance squad - never had any problems coping with the challenge in a battle for a silver medal.

He was over his opponent in every department. He scored with some brilliant single shots, put some exciting combinations together and everything was reflected on the score sheet at the end of an action-packed four rounds, which showed the Neilstown man 28-18 in front.

“It was a tactical contest but we expected that from a very experienced Hungarian,” Keegan said.

“But Kenny turned on the style this evening and, in the end, he was the one who outclassed his opponent. I think this has to be one of the best performances of his career.”

The victory sets Egan up for this evening’s final against a Croatian, Mario Sivilija, for the gold medal.

Two years ago in Strasbourg Egan settled for silver when he lost to Tarban Yildirin of Turkey, who went on to deprive him of a place in the Olympic tournament at last year’s qualifier.

Egan, however, exacted sweet revenge in the quarter-finals earlier this week, when he was nine points up and his corner put the Turk out in the first round.