Egan ready for defence

9 February 2009 – By Bernard O’Neill

Ken Egan will begin his quest for an historic ninth Irish title in a row when the 2009 Elite National Senior Championships recommence at the National Stadium in Dublin on Friday night.

The Dubliner, who won silver at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, meets 2008 Irish Intermediate champion Denis Hogan in the 81Kg semi final with a place in the light heavyweight decider up for grabs.

“Im really looking forward to getting in the ring and getting my title defence underway,” said the Neilstown clubman, who captained the Irish squad in Beijing. “I sparred with Denis in a training camp in Spain a few weeks ago and I have a good idea of what to expect.”

Egans Olympic teammates John Joe Nevin and John Joe Joyce will also be in action versus Tyrone McCullough and Michael McLoughlin respectively.

Nevin and Joyce are both defending their titles at the home of Irish boxing.

Meantime, both defending featherweight champion and 2008 European Union gold medallist David Oliver Joyce and 2008 European Championships bronze medallist and defending lightweight champion Ross Hickey, will be in action on Friday.

The weigh-ins for next weekends semi finals will be held at the National Stadium between 8am and 9am and 12 noon and 1pm on Friday and Saturday.

Click on below links for next weekends semi final draws.

http://www.iaba.ie/boxing/Main/2009-Elite_Semis_Fri_13th.htm

http://www.iaba.ie/boxing/Main/2009_Elite_Semis_Sat14th.htm