IRELAND’S BOXING HOPEFULS got their final qualification attempt off to a great start in Turkey last night.
Both Joe Ward and David Oliver Joyce took victories on the first day of the AIBA Olympic qualifiers in Trabzon.
European light-heavyweight champion Ward earned a 16-6 win over Sweden’s Kennedy Katende.
Joyce meanwhile saw his opponent, Wales’ Joe Cordina, retired by his own corner after taking two standing counts in the third round.
Ward will today meet home favourite Bahran Muzaffer while Joyce faces Germany’s Arthur Bril tomorrow. Today will be one of the busiest days at the championships for the Irish team with Ward, Ross Hickey, Adam Nolan, Tommy McCarthy and Con Sheehan all in action.