Galway boxer Gabriel Dossen and his team mate Michael Nevin from Portlaoise had to settle for bronze at the AIBA World Youth Championships after losing out at the last-four stage in St Petersburg, Russia today.
Dossen was on the wrong end of a 3-2 split decision to home favourite Sergei Margarian of Russia at the Sibur Arena. The Galway southpaw boxed superbly in rounds one and three, with Margarian enjoying a good spell in the second half of the second frame after backing Dossen into a corner. The Olympic BC light-welter, showing superior footwork, bounced back to lash home excellent combinations off the back and front foot early in the third, but Margarian, who worked hard closing down the space between him and the Irish champion throughout, got the nod after an excellent contest of contrasting light-welter styles.
Portlaoise BC middleweight Nevin went out to Scotland’s William Hutchinson after another top class three-rounder in the 75kg class. A bout featuring plenty of head movement, feints and rapid footwork from both young men, Nevin’s jabs and combinations were crisper, but Hutchinson’s right hooks, particularly in rounds two and three, went a long way toward earning the Scot a unanimous decision.
Dossen and Nevin won three of their four fights in Russia to ensure that Ireland won’t be coming home empty handed from St Petersburg. Today’s results ends Ireland’s competitive interest in the 63-nation tournament. Dossen and Nevin will be presented with their medals during Saturday’s finals.
Irish squad
49kg Jordan Moore (Glasnevin)
52kg Conor Quinn (Clonard)
56kg Eamer Coughlan (Riverstown)
60kg Patrick Donovan (OLOL)
64kg Gabriel Dossen (Olympic) (Bronze)
69kg Brett McGinty (Oakleaf) Cpt
75kg Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) (Bronze)
81kg Christopher O’Reilly (Bracken)
91+kg Kevin Sheehy (St Francis)
Team manager: Stephen Connolly
Coaches: Billy McClean and John Conlan
