Blaney advances in Baku

Christopher Blaney continued his impressive form in the AIBA World Youth Championships when he defeated Mina Rojas from Ecuador 6-1 at the Serhedchi Sports Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The Navan boxer will now face Dongjin Lee of Korea for a place in the quarter finals of the championships. Blaney showed his international experience and resilience when he overturned a 1-3 deficit to advance to the last 32 of the AIBA World Youth Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sunday. The talented welterweight made light of his early difficulties against Benny Muziyo of Zambia in the 69kg category to punch his way to parity, 3-3 at the bell before racing into a 7-3 lead at the end of the second round. Blaney then powered on to win clocking up a comfortable 10-4 lead at the final bell. The Meath teenager has, in other bouts in his career, made a slow start before going on to win comfortably. He was the first Irish boxer in action at the AIBA World Youth Championships which will conclude on Sunday. Despite widespread travel disruption because of the volcanic ash only, three countries - Canada, Mexico and the US - failed to send boxers to the championships which will act as the only qualifier for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August.