Dean Walsh gets Ireland off to perfect start in Samsun

Dean Walsh got Ireland off to a winning start at the European Olympic Qualifiers in Samsun, Turkey today.

The Wexford light welterweight emerged victorious from his Round of 32 bout with Erik Agataljan of the Czech Republic.

The European bronze medalist had too much for his Central Europen oppoenent and took the win via unanimous decision.

Walsh’s reward for his victory is a Last 16 bout with Cuban-born Lorenzo Sotomayor who has defected to Azerbaijan. Sotomayor is the #1 seed at the tournament and last year won gold at the European Games.

Walsh, now three wins away from securing a spot in Rio, is in action again on Monday evening .