Jude Gallagher Advances in European Boxing Championships

Jude Gallagher marched into the last 16 of the European Boxing Championships with the composure of a man who knows exactly where he’s going.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist outclassed Slovakia's Maksym Bocarov in Sofia, taking a unanimous decision in their 60kg bout and never really looking troubled. Sharp on his feet and crisp with his combinations, the Newtownstewart fighter controlled the tempo and the geography of the ring, picking Bocarov off and denying him any real momentum.

The judges were in no doubt. Neither, on this evidence, was Gallagher.

His reward is a last-16 showdown on Monday with France's Lounes Hamraoi, a step up in jeopardy and profile as the tournament begins to tighten. Gallagher arrives there with confidence and rhythm, his performance here suggesting there is more to come.

His win continues a strong early showing for Team Ireland in Bulgaria. Gallagher becomes the second Irish boxer from the 14-strong squad to have his hand raised this week, after Commonwealth gold medallist Jon McConnell also secured a unanimous decision victory on Thursday against Turkey's Necat Ekinci.

The momentum in the Irish camp is building. Next up is Dean Clancy, who steps through the ropes at 65kg on Friday at 16:00 BST to face Germany's Mohamed Siala, aiming to add another green tick to Ireland's growing ledger in Sofia.