Jude Gallagher Advances at European Boxing Championships

Jude Gallagher marched into the last 16 of the European Boxing Championships with a composed, commanding display, outclassing Slovakia's Maksym Bocarov by unanimous decision in Sofia.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist from Newtownstewart controlled the 60kg bout with sharp movement and cleaner work throughout, never allowing Bocarov a real foothold in the contest. Judges were in no doubt. Gallagher’s hand went up, and with it, Ireland’s momentum.

His reward is a tougher assignment on Monday: a last-16 showdown with France's Lounes Hamraoi, a step deeper into a tournament that is beginning to open up for the Irish contingent.

Gallagher’s win made him the second member of Team Ireland’s 14-strong squad to post a victory in Bulgaria. Commonwealth gold medallist Jon McConnell set the tone on Thursday, also earning a unanimous decision after a polished performance against Turkey's Necat Ekinci.

Upcoming Match

Now attention turns to Dean Clancy. The Irish boxer steps through the ropes on Friday at 65kg, where he faces Germany's Mohamed Siala at 16:00 BST. Another statement win there, and this Irish campaign in Sofia starts to look very serious indeed.