SEÁN MCCOMB IS hoping to prove that his recent international progress can help him win out at the 2016 National Elite Championships, which continue this weekend.
Reigning Irish lightweight champ McComb is back in action on Saturday night after an opening-round win over Tiernan Bradley at the championships, which have started early as the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) look to avoid a clash with a hectic international schedule next year.
McComb takes on old Dublin rival George Bates in the semi-finals, while the winner will take on whoever emerges from the battle of the Joyce brothers – David Oliver and Hugh – on Friday night, meaning the 60kg lightweight title will be hard won this year.
After claiming a bronze medal at the European Games last June, McComb proved that he can mix it at international level despite a defeat to former world champ Albert Selimov, who again defeated the Irishman in a close bout during the World Championships last October.
With fellow Belfast boys Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes having already booked their places at the 2016 Olympics, McComb is keen to prove that his experience on the international stage can help him win another Irish crown in a bid to follow his pals to Rio.
“I have to work on tactics because my old pal, George Bates, and I have boxed three times now and our fights are getting closer,” said McComb ahead of his bout on Saturday. “We know each other inside-out and it’s really who can come up with it on the night.
“But now I’ve been out there at international level, I’ve won a European bronze medal and I was only beaten by Selimov twice (this year) and he’s a world-class operator.
“Knowing that I’m at that level, I’ve been in with the best in the world and it gives me confidence that I can relax. I used to be a lot more tense and upright but now I’m more relaxed and enjoying it,” added McComb.
Action gets underway at the National Stadium on Friday night with Olympians Darren O’Neill and Adam Nolan both in action, along with Irish-welterweight champ Dean Walsh, while McComb and world medallist Michael O’Reilly are due to feature on Saturday.
