Clancy part of Irish side for youth Olympic games
SLIGO boxing sensation Dean Clancy will look to move on from brutal disappointment at the recent World Youth Championships in Budapest when he travels to Argentina next month to take part in the Youth Olympic Games.
Clancy, a six time All-Ireland champion and two time European silver medallist, will travel to Buenos Aires as part of the fifteen strong squad who will represent Ireland.
The 16-year-old, who is already competing with and beating opponents older than him, was beaten on a controversial split decision by American fighter Asa Stevens who eventually went on to take home the gold medal.
Recalling a galling moment, Dean told the Sligo Champion:
“It was a dodgy decision in fairness.
“I lost the split decision and I don’t know how because he wasn’t doing much.
“It wasn’t a beating I gave him, but I was the better boxer.
“He was on the back foot the whole fight.
“I landed the cleaner shots and did everything I had to.
“I don’t know what the judges are looking for! “
Stevens went on to win the final by stumbling through the next two fights, also on split wins.
“I was devastated. It didn’t sink in for a few minutes after.
“I was so shocked at what happened! These are top judges who are there because they’re the best the country has to offer. They’re three or four star officials and yet they can give the decision they did. I was devastated.
“In the airport on the way home, we were talking to other coaches and they all told me it was a disgrace. Nobody thought it was close!”
Despite the loss, Dean says the whole episode has galvanised him into doubling his effort.
“It’s absolutely pushed me on to train twice as hard to prove everyone wrong.”
Clancy’s rise isn’t helped by the fact he has no local boxing club to regularly host bouts in.
He uses the gym at the Clayton Hotel to train but must travel to the Sean McDermott’s club at Bee Park in Manorhamilton for ‘home’ matches and is often forced to hit the road any time a potential opponent wants to spar with him.
“If we had a building around Sligo, even a shed we could apply for funding from the IBA to do up a gym but we can’t!”
“He has nowhere to base himself now which isn’t ideal”, Dean’s father and coach Jason says. “We’ve appealed to Sligo County Council a number of times but it’s fallen on deaf ears.”
Clancy, who is sponsored lo- cally by EJ’s Menswear, will travel to the National Sports Complex in Abbotstown for four days training a week before leaving for Argentina on October 3rd.
“They’re the best facilities in the country”, Dean says.
The former Ballinacarrow Boxing Club member has even caught the eye of Irish boxing head coach Zaur Antia during his time in Dublin.
“He was surprised Dean is only 16”. Jason says. “He told me he can’t wait to get him to elite level and work with him.”
Even with the world at his feet, Dean knows the biggest dreams can be dashed in the space of mere moments.
The Ballinode College student is aware of how vital his education can be as a fall back.
“I’m doing my leaving cert this year because I know my education is important if something goes wrong.
“You don’t know. You could break a leg or even a finger and that’s it. You have to be ready no matter what.”
For now, Dean is solely focused on the upcoming youth games in South America. He is keen to make his mark against seven other top fighters from across the globe.
The teenager will discover who his opponent is once the weigh-ins have taken place. But no matter who’s in the other corner, Dean only has one target in mind.
“My goal is to take gold and finish top of that podium.
“It’s my drive. I want to go professional and I want to be the best I can.”