Conor Wallace deselected from Commonwealth Games team

Reports have emerged this afternoon that Newry light heavyweight Conor Wallace has been deselected from the Northern Ireland team that will head out to the Commonwealth Games in Australia next week.

22-year-old Wallace was picked as one of twelve fighters for the team following his Ulster Elite Senior Championships win in November.

The Holy Family Drogheda fighter subsequently won the Irish U22 title, beating reigning champion and Elite Senior runner-up Brian Kennedy, and was tipped to medal at the Gold Coast next month.

However, both BBC and the Belfast Telegraph are reporting today that Wallace has been deselected from the squad.

A statement, which does not name any athlete, was released today by the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council.

It outlined how “the NICGC can confirm an athlete has been deselected from Team NI for Gold Coast 2018.”

“We are not at liberty to discuss the matter any further.”

“The NICGC are investigating all options regarding a potential replacement athlete, working within the comprehensive selection process which has been running for the last 18 months, and any decision will be notified within days,”

In terms of a replacement, the eligibility of Ulsters runner-up Karol Długosz is uncertain. Michael McAllister also competed in the Ulsters, with the Dockers fighter being eliminated at the semi-final stage by Długosz.

Caoimhin Agyarko Hynes won the Irish light heavyweight title last month but is set to head to America tomorrow for a three-fight tour.

Alternatively, perhaps a fighter from one of the weights not initially chosen will get a call. Sarah Close won the Ulsters at middleweight, while Derry light flyweight Blaine Dobbins won the Irish Elites last year.

Confirmation is awaited.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)