Smith stuns world number one in Poland

Ceire Smith sensationally beat current AIBA World No. 1 flyweight Marlen Esparza of the USA at the Feliks Stamm multi-nations in Poland today.

The Cavan BC ace beat the current AIBA World Elite champion, a bronze medallist at the London 2012 Olympics, on a split decision  (39-37,39-37,37-39) in Warsaw.

“Ceire employed the tactics we gave her throughout and it was a fantastic performance and win against a world class opponent,” said Irish head coach Billy Walsh.

Esparza beat Smith in the 2014 Feliks Stamm tournament.

“We’re very proud of Ciara and she’s a great kid. That’s a tremendous victory today,” said Brian McKeown, Smith’s coach at the Cavan BC.

Meanwhile, Wayne Kelly will be in action tomorrow in Warsaw. Michael O’Reilly, the current European Games middleweight champion, received a bye into the last-four.

Feliks Stamm Multi Nations Warsaw, Poland

September 9th

Prelims

51kg Ceire Smith (Ireland) beat Marlen Esparza (USA) 2-1

September 10th

Q/Finals
51kg Ceire Smith (Ireland) v Helena Envali (Sweden) or Kholodkova Snizhana (Ukraine)
64kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) v Gynee Gavin (Wales)

September 11th
S/Finals
75kg Michael O’Reilly (Ireland) v Tomasz Jabolinski (Poland)