Ireland’s McKay, Wall European Junior Championship Finalists

Antrim’s Jason McKay advanced to the 48kg final at the 16th European Junior Championships following a thrilling win over Bulgarian light-flyweight Illiyan Kolev in Bulgaria today.

The Canal BC stand out earned an 11-10 decision from a toe-to-toe duel to record his third victory on-the trot at the 35-nation tournament in Sofia.

Both boxers were tied after the first round, but McKay edged 7-6 ahead by the end of the second frame en route to an edge-of-the-seat – but totally deserved – victory.

He’ll now meet Russia’s Suleiman Bammatov for 48kg gold in Saturday’s final.

Meanwhile, Kerry’s Brian Wall – who has also won three contests this week – followed up McKay’s win a convincing verdict over Hungarian middleweight Zsolt Kovacs early this evening.

Wall, who plays in midfield for the Kerry U/16 Gaelic football team, recorded a 13-7 win to book his ticket into Saturday’s 75kg final where he’ll meet Magomed Magamedov, also of Russia.

The Ulster and Munster duo are now guaranteed to be taking home at least two silver medals from Sofia.

“Jason and Brian boxed out of their skins today and they gave it absolutely everything against two tough and talented opponents, said Irish team manager Michael Darby.

“We’re absolutely delighted with their performances. They both have tough finals ahead of them against Russia tomorrow but their confidence will be high after these wins.”

“Jason and Brian really pulled out all the stops today and they can both be very proud of their performances in what is a quality tournament featuring some of the best in the world at this level,” added IABA Director of Boxing Dominic O’Rourke.
Ireland and Germany, who also have two boxers through to the finals, are the only two western European nations left in the tournament.

Saturday’s finals begin at 12pm (Irish time).

*Ireland’s 13-strong squad are duo home via Dublin Airport via London Gatwick at 6.05pm on Sunday, July 1st. (Aer Lingus flight No. EI 243)*