Conlan secures Doha gold
Michael Conlan has become Ireland's first ever male world champion after 41 years and 18 editions of the boxing World Championships following his win over Uzbekistan's Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Doha.
23-year-old Belfast bantamweight Conlan abandoned his usual hit-and-move style and decided to head into the trenches and go toe-to-toe with his opponent, a move which saw Ireland’s team captain pick up the first round on two of the three judges’ cards and then claim a clean sweep in the second.
However, with victory seeming assured the Falls Road fighter was dropped by Akhmadaliev in the third - the first time he had ever touched the canvas in his career. But, despite the knockdown, Conlan recovered to secure a famous win 29-28, 29-29, 30-27.
Afterwards Conlan said: “I’m over the moon, it was a very tough fight.
“It felt like he could punch from the start, but I didn’t think he had anything to put me down with. It was the first time I’ve ever been down in my life - I’m more embarrassed than anything, but he caught me right on the button.”
21-year-old Joe Ward has the chance to make it an extra-golden championships for Ireland tonight when he takes on Cuba’s Julio La Cruz in their heavyweight final.
Feek quietly confident over Sexton
The Ireland rugby team will be hoping they can emulate the nation’s boxers and also become world champions for the first time this month, and their hopes of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup may hinge on how quickly outhalf Johnny Sexton can recover from the groin injury he sustained in the famous win over France last Sunday.
On the fitness of Sexton Ireland's scrum coach Greg Feek said: "Johnny did about 3.5 kilometres of running, that's a positive. We're quietly confident, we'll see how he goes on Friday."
Sexton will attempt to train and kick on Friday as he looks to make Sunday’s quarter-final date with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.
O’Brien wanted to break free
One man who is almost certain to be absent from Ireland’s side on Sunday is Sean O’Brien following the testimony of Pascal Pape, who wrote a damning statement regarding the incident which led to the Irish flanker being cited.
O'Brien, who is unlikely to appeal his one-week suspension, told the disciplinary hearing: "I just wanted to break free and try to get whoever it was off me at the time."
One of the men in line to replace O'Brien is Leinster teammate Jordi Murphy, and the Barcelona-born backrow could use his Spanish speaking to help Ireland topple Los Pumas' lineout.
Ireland will have to be wary of the threat posed by a rejuvenated Juan Martin Hernandez in Cardiff, writes Gerry Thornley.
IRFU refusing to trial goggles
Meanwhile Gerry Thornley has also spoken to Leinster academy graduate Ian McKinley, who recovered from a serious eye injury but now can't obtain a professional contract because the IRFU refuse to allow him to play wearing the protective goggles he has helped to design and trial.
Mourinho hit with fine
Elsewhere Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged £50,000 (€68,000) and handed a suspended one-match stadium ban for remarks he made after his side's defeat to Southampton earlier this month.
What to watch out for:
Golf
Rory McIlroygets his PGA Tour season underway just 17 days after the last one ended, as he appeares in the Frys.com Open in California. (Sky Sports 4, 10pm)
Peter Lawrie heads into the European tour Portugal Masters knowing a strong finish is needed if he is to retain his Tour status for next season. (Sky Sports 4 ,11.30am)
GAA
The draw for the 2016 hurling and football championships are made tonight. (RTE 2, 8pm)
Boxing
There’s more boxing action in Doha with Joe Ward fighting Cuba’s Julio La Cruz for world championships gold.
