No nerves for Michael Nevin ahead of final underage tournament
Arguably Ireland’s most successful underage boxer ever, Michael Nevin fights in his last underage championships this week.
A three-time European gold medalist (Schoolboy, Junior, and Youth), Nevin returns to the squad for the World Youth Championships in Russia following a brief spell on the sidelines and is ready to get back among the medals.
The Portlaoise phenom lost out to Brett McGinty early this year, therefore missing the chance to defend his European Youth title, but has since moved up to the more comfortable weight of middleweight where he eased to the Irish under-18 title during the Summer. Here, against Ballinacarrow’s Jason Clancy, Nevin looked strong and quick and claimed Irish title number ten whilst never getting out of second gear.
Now settled into the weight, the one-man medal machine is aiming for gold in St Petersburg. Confident in his preparations, as well as his massive ability, Nevin explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “in all my big tournaments I’m not that nervous but more focused on my performance. My aim is to perform well and get a gold medal ”
“Training has gone great. I had great sparring in Belfast and Russia I feel fit and sharp and can’t wait to get fighting now.”
Team Ireland today made their way, via train, from training camp in Moscow to the host city of St Petersburg. The tournament begins on Thursday.
Irish squad
49kg Jordan Moore (Glasnevin)
52kg Conor Quinn (Clonard)
56kg Eamer Coughlan (Riverstown)
60kg Patrick Donovan (OLOL)
64kg Gabriel Dossen (Olympic)
69kg Brett McGinty (Oakleaf) Captain
75kg Michael Nevin (Portlaoise)
81kg Christopher O’Reilly (Bracken)
91+kg Kevin Sheehy (St Francis)
Team manager: Stephen Connolly
Coaches: Billy McClean and John Conlan
R&J: Ben McGarrigle
