Format change appeases French

SHORTLY after arriving in Dublin for the weekend’s two-day quadrangular junior international boxing match at the National Stadium starting this evening, the French management were up in arms over the format.

The match involves Ireland, Germany, France and a second string Irish team making it a round robin event.

But the French rejected the idea of having to box twice on the same day tomorrow and a compromise had to be found.

In order to avoid a major dispute between the associations, Irish officials agreed to compromise and change the format from round robin to open draw starting tonight.

Fortunately the belated switch will not deny the National Stadium fans of the plum attraction at bantamweight between Irish senior champion David Oliver Joyce of Athy and reigning European silver medallist Amine Boumerdaci of France.

The bout will mark the beginning of a busy few days in the ring for Joyce.

He flies out on Monday to represent Ireland in the International against the US in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday.

The draw for the National Stadium offering starting this evening will take place following this morning’s weigh-in.

Meanwhile, two late changes on the team for the US sees Ulster featherweight Bennie Harkin and Portlaoise welterweight Oisin Kelly replace Eric Donovan and Roy Sheehan, both of St. Michael’s, Athy.

In addition, a place at lightweight will have to be filled following the withdrawal of St Saviour’s Dean Murphy.