Ireland score 3 wins out of 4 at Ukraine Elite Multi-Nations
Ireland claimed three wins out of four on the opening day of the 23rd Semen Trestin Memorial in Odessa today.
Wayne Kelly, Emmet Brennan, and Tommy Hyde all registered preliminary round wins in Ukraine but there was defeat for
Westmeath light welter Kelly got Ireland off to a winning start with a smart win over Armenian Vaghinak Bazeyan on points to advance to the last 16 where he’ll meet the home favourite.
“Good to get the first one away to shake off the rust, I had no sparring leading up to this as I picked up a cut on my cheekbone in my previous international against the Netherlands. Back again tomorrow,” said Kelly after his win.
Afterwards, Belfast counter-puncher Aidan Walsh lost out to aggressive Hungarian Tibenius Barbuso in a close contest.
Later this evening, Emmet Brennan came through an uncompromising three-rounder with local middle Igor Harchenko with flying colours. Neither man had to go looking for each other in a hard-punching middleweight bout.
Rounding off the day, Cork light-heavy Tommy Hyde eased to within striking distance of at least bronze after outfoxing – and outboxing – Asian Games silver medallist Hindawl Al Oada to move into the quarters.
The Corkonian, who is in action on the Leeside Revolution bill next week, outboxed his Jordanian opponent and will now look to secure a medal versus Ukraine.
Ken Okungbowa received a bye into the last 16 and fights tomorrow along with Kelly and Brennan.
23rd Semen Trestin Memorial Odessa, Ukraine
July 9
Last 32
63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) beat Vaghinak Bazeyan (Armenia)
69kg Aiden Walsh (Ireland) lost to Tibenius Barbuso (Hungary)
75kg Emmet Brennan (Ireland) beat Igor Harchenko (Ukraine)
Last 16
81kg Tommy Hyde (Ireland) beat Hindawl Al Oada (Jordan)
July 10
Last 16
63kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) v Zoravov Petrosayan (Ukraine)
75kg Emmet Brennan (Ireland) v TBA
91kg Ken Okungbowa (Ireland) v Dmytyi Galagan (Ukraine) or Shangarbek Batynula (Kazakhstan)
July 11
Q/Final
81kg Tommy Hyde (Ireland) v Dannylo Zhasan (Ukraine)
Irish squad
63kg Wayne Kelly (Portlaoise)
69kg Aidan Walsh (Monkstown)
75kg Emmet Brennan (Glasnevin)
81kg Tommy Hyde (Mayfield)
91kg Ken Okungbowa (Athlone)
Coaches Eoin Pluck and Jimmy Halpin
