Donovan and O'Neill claim gold in Croatia

Sunday, 9 March 2008 11:14

Eric Donovan and Darren O'Neill claimed gold medals at the Zlatko Hrbic Senior Multi-Nations in Zagreb, Croatia on Saturday night after recording impressive wins over Russian and German opponents.

Donovan, of the St Michael's, Athy club, finished on top of the podium following a 34-29 win over Russian lightweight Maxim Inatev.

And Paulstown, Kilkenny middleweight O'Neill, who moved up to light heavyweight for this tournament, chalked up a 20-12 victory over Rene Krause of Germany.

Saturday's wins were Donovan's and O'Neill's third victories in as many days.

The wins will also be a big confidence booster to the Irish duo ahead of next weekend's box-off at the National Stadium in Dublin.

The box-off will be used as a selection process for the Irish squad for the final Olympic qualifier for European boxers which begins in Athens on 7 April.

The National Stadium box-off will be held on 14/15 March and will involve the semi-finalists from the 2008 National Senior Championships.

Light flyweight Paddy Barnes, from the Holy Family club in Belfast, and Cavan bantamweight John Joe Nevin have already qualified for the 2008 Olympics.

Barnes had been due to compete in Zagreb this week but withdrew from the Irish squad as a precaution because of an injury to his left hand.

Zlatko Hrbic Senior Multi-Nations Results Zagreb, Croatia

Quarter-final results 6 March
60kg: Eric Donovan (Ireland) beat Philip Pavlik (Croatia) 46-24
81kg: Darren O'Neill (Ireland) beat Emil Markic (Bosnia) RSCO3

Semi-final results 7 March
60kg: Eric Donovan (Ire) bt Livbomir Marjanovic (Serbia) 27-18
81kg: Darren O'Neill (Ireland) beat Mate Matkovic (Croatia) 34-10

Finals results 8 March
60kg: Eric Donovan (Ireland) beat Maxim Inatev (Russia) 34-29
81kg: Darren O'Neill (Ireland) beat Rene Krause (Germany) 20-12

Coaches: Tony Davitt (Drimnagh) & Jim Halpin (St Saviour's OBA)