Mullingar Teenager Claims World Title In Armenia

Photo Credit: Facebook/Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar

John Donohoe claimed gold after beating Khikmatillo Ulmasov of Uzbekistan on Sunday.

The midlands has a new world champion.

Mullingar's John Donohoe won the gold medal at the World Junior Boxing Championships in Armenia yesterday.

The Olympic Boxing Club fighter beat Khikmatillo Ulmasov of Uzbekistan in the 63kg final, with the judges breaking 4 to 1 in favour of the Westmeath teenager.

Donohoe's passage to the final was racked with doubt and concern after it looked like he would have to forfeit his quarter final bout.

That fight against Russia’s Zakhar Bespalov only took place after the IABA waived a boycott of competing against Russian or Belarussian boxers. 

Donohoe stopped Bespalov in the first round to secure at least a bronze medal.

His semi-final against two-time European champion in Emmanouil Fotiadis from Greece was significantly more difficult.

His passage to the decider was secured by an adept performance of inside boxing.

At just 15, Donohoe will be able to return to the competition to defend his title next year.

Johnny Joyce is John's coach at the Olympic Boxing Club in Mullingar, he says John has all it takes to be a success in the ring:

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