Massive achievement as 15-year-old Mullingar boxer becomes world champion
John Donoghue of Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar, has today became World Junior Boxing Champion in Armenia.
The talented 15-year-old overcame Khikmatillo Ulmasov of Uzbekistan following a 4-1 split decision in the 63kg final in Armenia to win the title for the first time. It is a remarkable achievement for the Mullingar teenager, who was competing against boxers a year older than him from 50 other countries around the world.
Today’s success is a proud moment for both the teenager and the Olympic Boxing Club, Mullingar. John has been involved with the club since the age of eight and is extremely dedicated to his chosen sport.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Johnny Joyce, Head Coach at the Olympic Boxing Club, Mullingar said John is an absolute credit to his family, club, town and country.
“He is over the moon with the win. He works extremely hard; there is no secret to his success. He is an amazing young boy and he has been improving every year with the club. The standard here is just incredible and all the boxers are pushing each other to achieve great things,” he said.
In what is a noteworthy achievement, John Donoghue is still eligible to box at the same level next year having given his competitors a one year head start.
“He is eligible to box at the same level next year, but we may well move him up to 66kg as he’s making major progress.
“I spoke to John this afternoon. I was the first person he phoned after his success and he said he’s over the moon with what he has achieved in Armenia. It probably hasn’t sunk in yet and he probably just doesn’t realise the enormity of his achievement, but he is only 15 years of age,” said Johnny Joyce.
The new World Champion will return to Ireland on Tuesday and the Olympic Boxing Club are planning to introduce their latest star to the other boxers at the club on Wednesday evening.
John Donoghue caused a major surprise when he overcame Russian opponent Zakhar Bespalov in the light-welterweight quarter-final on Thursday.
It came after the IABA (Irish Amateur Boxing Association) ended its boycott of Russian boxers, allowing him to take his place in the quarter-final. There were frantic negotiations on Wednesday, leading to government intervention on the issue and clearing the way for Donoghue to box.
Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said there would be no consequences for boxers who faced Russian fighters.
Following his victory, Johnny Joyce of the Olympic Boxing Club gave this reaction:
“We would like to thank everyone who helped ensure John Donoghuecould box in the quarter-finals against Russia. Until Wednesday, an IABA decision to boycott Russian opponents was stopping him from doing so.
“Firstly, we would like to thank head coach Johnny Joyce, club secretary Kenny Kiernan, who never gave up on the kid and kept pushing for him to box by doing everything they could. We would like to thank the local public representatives, especially Deputy Sorcha Clarke, Sinn Fein and Minister Peter Burke, Fine Gael, for all the work they did behind the scenes, and RTE Radio 1 for their coverage.
“Huge thanks to Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews for bringing the hard questions to the government and getting the answers for us that changed this ridiculous rule stopping our kids from boxing. Huge thanks to everyone who supported our club and boxer over the last few days. John now turns his focus to the semi-finals against Greece.”
Mr Joyce said a number of young boxers from the club have missed out on opportunities to compete for medals at the recent championships because of the boycott, introduced because of the war in Ukraine.
"We are not concerned with politics. This is our sport and we just want to get on with the business inside the ring," he added.
Following his victory over a strong Russian opponent, John Donoghue then defeated a two-time European champion in Emmanouil Fotiadis from Greece in the semi-final on Friday. That paved the way for a world final appearance on Sunday.
“It's just a reward for all his hard work and he is just such a dedicated boxer, always looking to improve. Last year he was very close to getting into the medals at the European Championships and was really disappointed when he missed out, but he worked even harder at his game,” remarked Johnny Joyce, who has overseen a hugely successful year with the Olympic Boxing Club.
Jason Donoghue, John’s younger brother, won an U14 European School Boys title in Slovenia recently, while Louise Joyce won an U14 School Girls title at the same event. The club had five boxers who won European titles last year: Alfie Jordan, Niamh Keogh, Louise Joyce, Patsy Joyce and Christian Doyle.
In recent weeks, Jason Nevin has captured a senior league title at 60kg level.
“We have won 20 national titles in 2023 alone and for the last four years, we have been the most successful boxing club in the country. I’m just the head coach, all the other coaches are extremely dedicated and talented, and the boxers are all driving each other to new standards,” remarked Johnny Joyce.