New Irish boxing chief: 'I'm hopeful, but not naive, we've got work to do'

The new man’s approach has been slowly-slowly. He has started off by getting the lay of the land, understanding how things work, by building relationships and trust. Observing, and then identifying any gaps and areas where the programme can be streamlined.

WORK TO DO: A Dubliner who enjoyed a successful eight-year stint as High-Performance with Canoeing Ireland, Jon Macken boxed as a child in the Arbor Hill, Phibsboro and Broadstone clubs in the city's northside. And he has a long association with kickboxing too. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Boxing, said Ken Norton, is a great sport and a dirty business. The legendary American heavyweight was referring to his 15 years in the pro game across three decades, but the amateur arena has known its fair share of controversies and debacles.

Both globally and locally.