World Boxing Champion returns home

The Olympic Boxing Club in Mullingar has a new World Champion back home today. Mullingar's John Donoghue has returned from Montenegro with the U19 World title, adding to his U17 World title of two years ago. In total, he has won three European titles and two world titles and, at just 18 years of age, his record is truly impressive.

John defeated Bibarys Ashirbay of Kazakhstan in the final on a 5-0 scoreline, each of the judges giving him the verdict (29-28).

His dream is to box at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. "I prepared really hard for this and I was ready," he said.

“I was very sharp, I was ready for the competition. I had five fights and the final was against the top boxer in the world at this level, so I knew I was up against the very best. There’s big pressure; coming back from winning a European title meant there were expectations.

“But I got great support from Johnny Joyce (Head Coach at Olympic Boxing Club) and that was a great help. It was an unbelievable experience in Montenegro and to have my mother and my brother there was extra special,” he added.

Despite a fracture to his right hand, sustained in the semi-final, John had enough confidence and class to emerge with the honours and secure his second World boxing title.

* See Tuesday's printed edition for more