Molloy claims Elite belt

KIERAN MOLLOY claimed Oughterard boxing club’s first Elite belt by beating Drogheda’s Eugene McKeever on a unanimous decision in the 69kg final.

Molloy also scooped the Best Male Boxer award on a big night for welters as Offaly’s Gráinne Walsh secured gold and the inaugural Jimmy Magee Best Female Boxer award in the same weight.

“Eugene showed a lot of heart tonight and I respect him. He’s a great fighter as well, but I knew it was my time,” said the new champion. “My ultimate goal is to keep this up and qualify for the Olympics. That’s the dream at the end of the day and hopefully, it will be a reality soon.”

Walsh, meanwhile, outworked and outpunched former World Junior champion and Olympic Youth finalist Ciara Ginty to successfully defend her title.

Portlaoise BC did the double with Michael Nevin and Wayne Kelly winning the middle and lightwelter belts.

Nevin got off the floor after being dropped by a flashing left hook from Brett McGinty to secure a title held by some of the legends – Ken Egan, Andy Lee, Darren Sutherland, Darren O’Neill, Jason Quigley – of Irish boxing on his Elite debut.

World Elite finalist Kellie Harrington showed her class to subdue a potential ambush by ex-European Youth champion Amy Broadhurst and win her eighth belt.

Dean Gardiner beat Martin Keenan and Ceire Smith also won. Michaela Walsh dethroned defending feather champion Dervla Duffy and Kiril Afanasev outpointed Limerick’s Kevin Sheehy to nail the heavyweight title.