'It’s just another fight' - Jack Marley taking Euro semi in his stride with Olympics on the line

The 20-year-old is one of five Irish boxers in last-four bouts on Friday.

BOB MARLEY: Ireland’s Jack Marley ducks out of the way of a hook from Marko Calic of Croatia this week. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

“I don’t like getting punched,” says Jack Marley. “But it’s a good feeling when you’re taking one and giving two.” 

The Dubliner, like his Irish teammates, has been doling out plenty here at the European Games in Poland, and he’s one of five Irish boxers in semi-final action in Nowy Targ today. The 20-year-old, along with Aoife O’Rourke, has the added prize of Olympic qualification on the line. The other three – Kellie Harrington, Dean Clancy and Michaela Walsh – all secured their berths at the Paris Games on Wednesday, but Marley and O’Rourke must reach their respective finals to join them. If they fall short, a European Games bronze medal will provide little solace.