Boxing: The Irish Amateur Boxing Association has defended its selection policy for the upcoming AIBA World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. The process involves a national 'box-off' tournament known as the Open Elite Competition, which got underway last night.
However, it began without five of Ireland’s most high-profile boxers, who between them account for €200,000 in Irish Sports Council grants.
All five – Joe Ward, Ray Moylette, Paddy Barnes, John Joe Nevin and Darren O’Neill – presented valid medical reasons for their absence but their participation in the 2012 Olympics could be jeopardised if they do not make the trip to Baku next month.
After this weekend’s box-off the IABA will select a team for Baku, as will High Performance director Billy Walsh, but the final call rests with the boxing council.
If any of that group of five is not selected and the replacement fighter wins an Olympic qualifying spot for London next year then that place is gone. Regardless of next year’s final Olympic qualifying tournament, that weight category for Ireland would be taken.
The IABA this morning acknowledged “the genuine concerns of boxers, their supporters and families, and the wider community of boxing and sports fans regarding team selection.”
However, it defended the process, citing the strength in depth of Irish boxing and the “long-standing part of team selection for major championships” box-off tournaments have played.
“What brings the matter into particular focus now is the extraordinary strength and depth in Irish amateur boxing. This wealth of talent has been developed due to IABA coaches, members, volunteers and officers nationwide, and has been built on by the strength of the High Performance Unit and its coaching team.
“In individual weight divisions, Irish amateur boxing boasts a number of boxers more than capable of representing Ireland at World level. The box-off ensures that European Champions, national champions and international medallists can be assessed prior to team selection, and that it is fair that all are afforded this opportunity.”
The statement stressed the tournament was not the final barometer for the team selection ahead of the Baku.
“Formal team ratification will ultimately take place on 20th August, and the boxing council will select the team following the outcome of the Open Elite Competition, and assessing other relevant performances and factors. There will of course be a further opportunity for Ireland’s boxers to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games via the AIBA Olympic qualifying tournament.”
It concluded: “The IABA is confident that the strongest possible squad will ultimately represent Ireland in the World Championships, the Olympic Qualifying tournament, and the Olympic Games, and that the outstanding record of our Boxers on the world stage will be further built upon throughout these tournaments.”
Kenny Egan, meanwhile, emerged from his first fight as a heavyweight relatively unscathed despite suffering a knockdown as he overcame Tommy McCarthy at the National Stadium this evening. Egan, who has stepped up in weight to avoid a clash with Joe Ward with a view to Olympic qualification, won 10-6 on the scorecards.
Roy Sheehan, Michael O’Reilly, Stephen O’Reilly, Jason Quigley, Pa O’Shea, Con Sheehan and Sean Turner also claimed wins in tonight’s semi-final session.