Successful International debut for Wayne Kelly
By Bernard O’Neill – IABA Press Officer
Wayne Kelly joined Ceire Smith and Michael O’Reilly in the semi-finals of the Feliks Stamm tournament following an impressive win in Poland tonight.
The Mullingar light-welter won his Celtic derby with Gavin Gwynne of Wales on a unanimous decision to set up Friday’s last-four clash with Sweden’s Mohammed Al-Maliki, who beat a Polish opponent today.
“It was a very good win for Wayne in his first major international tournament. We’re very pleased with his performance, “ said Irish head coach Billy Walsh, who is working Ireland’s corner with Zaur Antia in Warsaw.
Earlier today, Smith won her second bout in 24 hours to reach the last-four.
The Cavan BC flyweight, who beat current World Elite champion Marlen Espraza of the USA yesterday, beat Sweden’s Helena Envali on a unanimous decision
She’ll now meet Poland European Games silver medallist Sandra Drabik in Friday’s semi-finals.
Walsh added: “A very good performance from Ceire today. It builds on yesterday’s win and gets her amongst the medals.”
Current European Games middleweight champion Michael O’Reilly received a bye into the semi-finals where he’ll face Poland’s current European Elite silver medallist Tomasz Jabolinski.
Feliks Stamm Multi Nations Warsaw, Poland
September 9th
Prelims
51kg Ceire Smith (Ireland) beat Marlen Esparza (USA) 2-1
September 10th
Q/Finals
51kg Ceire Smith (Ireland) beat Helena Envali (Sweden) 3-0
64kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) beat Gavin Gwynne (Wales) 3-0
September 11th
S/Finals
51kg Ceire Smith (Ireland) v Sandr Drabik (Poland)
64kg Wayne Kelly (Ireland) v Mohammed Al-Maliki (Sweden)
75kg Michael O’Reilly (Ireland) v Tomasz Jabolinski (Poland)
Irish squad
51kg Ceire Smith (Cavan)
64kg Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy)
75kg Michael O’Reilly (Portlaoise)
Team Manager: Billy O’Connor
Coaches; Billy Walsh: and Zauri Antia
Physiotherapist: Ursula Brooks
R/J: Larry Durand
