Boxing: Nine of the 12 reigning champions will defend their titles in the National Senior Boxing Championships which start at the National Stadium tonight.

Heavyweight champion Stephen Reynolds of the St Joseph's, Sligo, club has retired but his twin brother Alan, the reigning light heavyweight champion, moves up a weight.

World welterweight bronze medallist James Moore from Arklow defends in a division that has attracted the largest entry of 12. The notable absentee here is Neil Gough of Waterford who has retired since losing to Moore last year after a lengthy reign. Super heavyweight champion John Kinsella of Crumlin is not in training following injury.

Light middleweight southpaw Michael Roche, Ireland's only qualifier for the Sydney Olympics, has a difficult task with Darren Sutherland of St Saviours and John Duddy Derry in the field of seven strong entries.