Walsh: Team Ireland very much looking forward to World Championships

By IABA Press Officer Bernard O’Neill

Team Ireland will have test matches against Italy, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Belarus at their training camp in Assisi, Italy on Wednesday in their build up toward the AIBA World Elite Men’s Championships and Olympic qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

Ireland are taking part in their final training camp in Assisi before the 18th World Championships which begins next Tuesday.

Brendan Irvine, Michael Conlan, Sean McComb, Dean Walsh, Adam Nolan, Michael O’Reilly and Joe Ward will represent Ireland in Doha.

The squad leave for Doha on Friday. Twenty three Olympic places are available across the ten weight classes in Doha.

Katie Taylor, Paddy Barnes, Ceire Smith and Darren O’Neill are also taking part in the Assisi camp.

“The team are getting a lot of work done and are very much looking forward to the World Championships, said Irish head coach Billy Walsh.

“The team are fit and healthy. They’ve picked up a few knocks and bruises, but that goes with the territory.”

260 boxers will compete at the World Championships.