Irish Elite champion Kurt Walker claimed gold at the multi-nations tournament in Russia today.

But TJ Waite and Gary McKenna had to settle for silver despite big performances in Rostov.

Walker finish on top of the 56kg podium on a unanimous decision over Nickolay Shakh of Belarus, but Waite and McKenna were edged out on split decisions by Cingiz Natirov of Russia and Demirty Sapon of Belarus.

Steven Ward had to withdraw from today’s finals, which featured four members of the Ulster team, after picking up a cut in the semi-finals.

“TJ lost on a split decision to a top boy. TJ boxed and moved brilliant but judges favoured the Russian, said coach John Conlan.

“Kurt won gold with a classy performance, catching his opponent with big shots. Great skill and movement and clean shots impressed the packed and appreciative crowd.

“Gary McKenna lost a wafer thin split to a tricky Belarusian southpaw. We lost the first by mixing with him, but a brilliant second round in middle distance and a very vclose last round. We thought he did enough.

“Steven Ward had to settle for silver because of the cut in the semis.

“At 64kg and 75kg, both guys won gold who beat Aiden and Conor. Very good competition and great for developing our guys. All the lads were brilliant.”

John Conlan and Fergal McKenna were working the Ulster corner in Rostov. Martin Walsh was team manager.

The Ulster squad are due to arrive home tomorrow.

December 18th S/Finals
52kg TJ Waite beat Ukraine 3-0
56kg Kurt Walker beat Russia 3-0
60kg Gary McKenna beat Russia TKOI3
91kg Stevie Ward beat Russia TKO13

December 20th

Finals

52kg TJ Waite lost to Cingiz Natirov (Russia) 1-2
56kg Kurt Walker beat Nickolay Shakh (Belarus) 3-0
60kg Gary McKenna lost to Demirty Sapon (Belarus) 1-2
91kg Steven Ward lost to Leonid Chernabayev (Belarus) W/O

Ulster Squad

52kg TJ Waite (Ormeau Road)
56kg Kurt Walker (Canal)
60kg Gary McKenna (Old School)
64kg Aiden Walsh (Holy Family)
75kg Conor Wallace (St Monica’s)
91kg Steven Ward (Monkstown)