THE IRISH AMATEUR Boxing Association (IABA) say they are “very confident” that the future of Irish boxing head coach Billy Walsh will be resolved soon.

Walsh, who is currently in Doha with Ireland’s boxers at the World Championships, has faced an uncertain period of late.

The acclaimed coach has yet to sign a new contract with the IABA and has been heavily linked with a role as head of the USA’s women’s boxing programme.

However, speaking to The42, IABA President Pat Ryan suggested that talks are progressing.

“It’s still in the negotiating room, but I’m very confident that the Irish Sports Council and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association will resolve this matter,” he said. “I’ve every confidence that this matter will be resolved in the not-too-distant future.”

Walsh has helped the Irish team to more success in recent days, with Michael Conlan becoming the first Irishman to win gold at the World Championships yesterday.

“Michael Conlan has been a tremendous performer for Ireland over the last couple of years, and yet he’s only 23 years of age,” Ryan added. “His performances in the WSB have been crucial to his development. The fact that he can fight and box at that level really ensured him success in this Championship.

“You couldn’t keep that opponent away from you. So he had to mix like with like, and he was very good at it. The fact that he took a cracking right hand — to climb off the canvas is also a testament to the boy, just how good he is and his resolve.

“It’s been the best World Championship performance from any Irish team and to make history along the way is nice.”

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