Four of Team Northern Ireland move to within one win of Commonwealth medal

IT WAS four out of five today for the  Northern Ireland boxing team in the Commonwealth Games as four fighters moved to within one win of a prestigious medal.

Lghtweight Joe Fitzpatrick, light-welter Sean Duffy, light-heavyweight Sean McGlinchey and Flyweight Ruairi Dalton all won their last 16 bouts and earned passage into the quarter finals. 

However, Delhi silver medallist Steven Ward was beaten in the heavyweight division and exited the tournament.

Ward, excited after a split decision reverse suffered at the gloves of England’s Warren Baister.

St James’ fly Dalton progressed to the quarters after an unanimous points victory over  Tanzania’s Paul Mwanjwango.

Lesotho’s Ohobosheane Mohlerepe was beaten by Fitzpatrick as the Team Northern Ireland puncher progressed via split decision.

Light-welterweight Duffy also beat Tanzania opposition beating Fabiana Pius in a close contest.

Light-heavyweight McGlinchey claimed split decision over Jamaica’s Cheavan Clarke to round up a successful day for Team Northern Ireland.

Dalton will face Australia’s Andrew Moloney on Tuesday with Duffy taking on Malaysia’s Akyazlan Khir Azmi in his quarter-final on the same day.

Both Fitzpatrick and McGlinchey will face Kenyan opposition the lightweight taking on Kenya’s Okongo Nicholas Okoth and the light-heavyweight up against Ajowi Elly Ochola in his last-eight bout.

Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, Michaela Walsh, Connor Coyle and Steven Donnelly will all be in action on Monday.