Zaur Antia set to rebuff foreign suitors

Zaur Antia has given the clearest indication yet he intends to rebuff any overtures from abroad and stay to lead Ireland’s high performance boxing programme as it attempts to rebound from the disappointment of the Olympics in Rio.

Suggestions Canada were leading a wave of suitors hoping to sweep one of the world’s best technical coaches away reached a crescendo during the Games but the Georgian dismissed rumours he may even have been approached during the Games.

“I never spoke (to anyone),” he confirmed to the Irish Examiner. “I don’t want to distract from anything. The boxers did everything possible to the absolute maximum. I really want to say again, this is a strong Irish team.