Clondalkin’s Bernard Dunne confirmed as the new High Performance Director of Irish boxing

AFTER much speculation, Clondalkin native, and former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Bernard Dunne was confirmed as the new High Performance Director of Irish boxing.

The post had remained vacant since 2008, when Gary Keegan vacated the position.

Given the recent controversies over Billy Walsh’s departure and the disappointing results at the Rio Olympics, he has a lot on his hands, as he attempts to revive Irish boxing’s fortunes.

There has been a lot of change at the top of the sport, with many of the country’s best amateur competitors, such as Katie Taylor and Michael Conlon having joined the professional ranks.

But despite these departures, there is still a lot to be positive about.

A number of very exciting junior fighters are coming up through the ranks, and successful participation in future Olympic Games must rate as a distinct possibility going on current form.

Last Saturday’s Elite Round Robin event in the National Stadium, was the first opportunity for Dunne to view the quality of talent at the top ranks here, as they boxed opponents from France, Russia, Italy and Germany.

St Mary’s in Tallaght, boasted two fighters in action on the night with light heavyweight semi-finalist at the Irish Championships Michael Frayne losing out to Diabira Mamadou of France and Italy’s Federico Antonaci

His clubmate, Tallaght lightweight George Bates, saw off Germany’s Artur Brill before being edged out on a split decision by Italy’s Giuseppe Canonico.