“Stick to what I do best and I should have no problems” – Agnew predicting Senior final success

Emma Agnew was on top form on Friday night.

The Dealgan light welterweight booked her place in this week’s Senior Elite win following a great win over Intermediate champ Saidhbh Greene.

Possessing an advantage in size and experience, the Louth boxer overwhelmed her opponent off a piston-like jab en-route to a clear unanimous decision win and she will now box this Friday against Ciara Ginty.

Speaking to Irish-Boxing after the bout, a content Agnew described how “my fight went as planned, I kept on my toes, and I didn’t let her dominate. I could have done a bit more but I got tired with it being my first time doing the three minute rounds. Overall I’m happy with my performance and I won easy enough.”

In Ginty she is faced with one of the most successful Irish underage boxers of recent times, and one who is in good form. However Agnew is not phased, and points out that underage medals count for little in the ring.

The 26 year old explained that “I know she’s won a lot at junior and youth level, even silver at the Youth Olympics, but the Elites are a different game. I’m feeling very confident about the final. Stick to what I do best and I should have no problems. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Agnew believes that 2017 could be the year where things ‘click.’ Indeed, such is this belief, she has entered the Senior Elites for the first time. Agnew outlined that “I think this year is my year to show what I can do and show my full potential.”

“I’ve won six irish titles in the past, the under 18s, under 21s, Intermediates. I’ve always wanted the Elite title, I just never went for it. This is my first time back in the ring in two years and it’s the first time I’ve ever felt ready.”

Paying credit to her support system, Agnew said that “I would like to thank my coach Anto Donnelly for all the work he’s put in, he never really gets enough appreciation. Also, coach Tony Broadhurst, my sparring partner Amy Broadhurst who put me through some tough rounds in preparation for these championships, and lastly my boyfriend Dermot McGrath who’s been there every step of the way, pushing me to do extra gym sessions and hill running and being in my ear as motivation.”

Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show: