James McGivern has “cleared a spot” on his mantelpiece for 2018 Commonwealth gold

James McGivern has beaten all before him in 2017 and is now aiming to move to the next level this month and beyond.

The St George’s lightweight won the Irish U23 title at the start of the year, his tenth national title, and has since won multi-nations tournaments in Paris and Eindhoven.

Now the 2015 Commonwealth Youth gold and European Youth silver medalist is targeting the Ulster Elite Senior Championships and a place on the plane to the Commonwealth Games next year in Australia.

While this month’s tournament is not a direct qualifier for the Gold Coast next April, results will factor heavily into the eventual selection.

Not only is 19 year old McGivern hoping to make it to his first major international tournament, the Belfast boxer wants to win gold – and even has a place for the medal ready on his mantelpiece.

“I’ve cleared a spot and all,” the talented teen told Irish-Boxing.com.

“There’s a wee spot next to the Youth medal.”

“I’m pretty confident in saying that no-one has won the Youth Games and then gone on to win the senior Games. So, if I was the first or even one of the boys to do it, that would be massive, wouldn’t it? Something I could write on the CV for years, tell my grandkids about.”

“Ulster Seniors first, baby steps, we’ll get over the Ulster Seniors, get on the team, get out there, and do the business.”

Watch James McGivern’s interview with Irish-Boxing.com in full below: