TYRONE’S JUDE GALLAGHER will take home a bronze medal from the World Youth Boxing Championships in Budapest following a narrow semi-final defeat to Thailand’s Thitisan Panmod.
The 16-year-old light-flyweight leaves with Ireland’s only medal, becoming the third Irish fighter along with 2017 European Youth silver medalist Caitlin Fryers (51kg) and reigning European Youth champ Daina Moorehouse to be eliminated by Thai opposition at this year’s Worlds.
Newtownstewart’s Gallagher made light work of Asian Youth bronze medallist Zhao Renxue of China and PanAmerican Youth silver medallist Rolando Bianchi of Brazil en route to the semis but was edged this afternoon on a 4-1 split decision.
Panmod was awarded the bout by four judges on scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, while one scored it 29-28 to the Irishman who scarcely protested the overall verdict.
The Two Castles Boxing Club talent has won three Irish titles this year and adds World bronze to the European bronze he earned in Italy in April.
Gallagher doesn’t turn 17 until October, and so has another year at Youth (U18) level where he’ll aim to build on a hugely successful 2018.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
