Michael O’Reilly aiming for gold in Rio

Portlaoise BC middleweight Michael O’Reilly is targetting top prize in Rio.

Following a robbery at the World Championships in Doha and a disappointing loss at the European Qualifiers, O’Reilly kicked into gear at the final AOB World Qualifier in Azerbaijan in June, winning the tournament at a canter.

The phenomenally talented puncher is in a tough division that contains the likes of Arlen Lopez, Anthony Fowler, Christian Mbilli Assomo, and Bektemir Melikuziev. While O’Reilly is well aware of his rivals, he is in no way intimidated and is aiming for gold.

The 23 year old Clonmel man told IABA TV that “preparation has gone very very well”

“I’m looking forward to it now.”

“The middleweight division is a very very tough division, but as I’ve said before, I wont be going out there to make up the numbers, I’ll be going out to win the gold medal.”

O’Reilly will find out who will be his first opponent when the draw is made tomorrow at 3pm Irish time. If he does not receive a bye he will be in action on Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th. If he is one of the four boxers who does receive a bye to the Last 16, it will be Friday 12th when he steps into the ring. Considering his high World ranking and recent international performances, O’Reilly will be hoping for a bye.

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