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Titles on the line for Waterford boxers tonight

Titles on the line for Waterford boxers tonight
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It all comes down to this.

Four boxers will represent Waterford at the National Senior Elite Championships this evening with medals on the line for all four.

The last time Waterford could boast a double at the National Championships was in 1998 when Martin Murphy and Neil Gough both had their hands raised for St. Pauls at flyweight and welterweight. With a little bit of luck, and a lot of sweat and determination, that 25 year wait may well come to an end this evening.

Last night, two Saviour's Crystals' men were competing in the semi-finals, with both cruising through to the all-important decider.

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Kelyn Cassidy was a clear-cut 5-0 winner on the judge's scorecards as he beat Brian Kennedy from start to finish in their light heavyweight contest.

Cassidy is the defending champion at 80kg and stamped his authority on Friday evening. Coming off a prolonged hand injury, Cassidy looked every bit the boxer who claimed gold in October 2021.

25 bouts are listed for this evening's finals, with Cassidy set to step through the ropes to face Jason Clancy in the fourth to last contest. We are likely to see him in the ring at about 10.20 pm.

Cassidy's Saviours' teammate Sean Purcell made light work of Jordan Smith at 57kg. The doctor was called for in the second round, with the medical official calling off the fight due to a cut sustained by Smith.

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Purcell advances to the final where he will face Paul Looman later this evening. He is expected to be in the ring at about 6.45 pm.

Christina Desmond will have been chewing at the bit to get some ring time ahead of her bout this evening. The Dungarvan resident made the jump up to 70kg for these Championships but was denied the chance to test her mettle last weekend with her scheduled opponent pulling out at the last minute, awarding Desmond a walkover.

Tonight she faces Tiffany O'Reilly in the final which we expect to be underway from 10.30 pm at the National Stadium.

The fight with the biggest opportunity on offer this evening simply must be Zara Breslin's 60kg final. The Tramore native is up against the cream of the crop in Irish and World Boxing when shes steps through the ropes to touch gloves with Kellie Harrington.

The Dubliner is the reigning Olympic lightweight gold medalist, as well as boasting a host of other titles in her glittering career.

Zara sat down with WLR Sport this week along with her coach Ray Kelly to look ahead to the bout.

We should see her make the walk at about 8 pm.

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