Gold medal for Blaney in Serbia

Chris Blaney produced the right performances to win gold in the Vojvodina Golden Gloves Youth Multi-Nations boxing tournament in Novi Sad, Serbia on Sunday. The Navan Boxing Club member was one of only two Irish boxers who claimed gold and he also won the coveted 'boxer-of-the-tournament' award. The other gold medal winner was Chris Phelan (Ryston). There were two silver medal winners, Stephen Broadhurst and Michael McDonagh. Blaney, who was boxing in the 75kg category, started his march to gold when he defeated French opponent Charles Elcbechir. That earned the young Meath man a semi-final bout with the Russian Andrey Fgorov. In the first two rounds Blaney picked up points, but he really turned the heat on in round three eventually stopping the Russian who is a former World Junior Champion. It was onto the final then for Blaney and it was there he overcame Ferenc Orbanc. Again this bout didn't go the distance as Blaney stopped his opponent early in the second round. Blaney, who completed his Leaving Certificate this summer, was one of eight Irish boxers who made their way to Serbia for the tournament. After his double success in taking gold and the boxer-of-the-tournament award Blaney will now be looking to make an impact in the forthcoming national u-21 championships at the National Stadium. Irish team manager Paul McMahon said that the management were delighted with the medal haul from Serbia and praised the efforts of all the boxers who made it to the finals and semi-finals. Blaney is no stranger to success on the international front as he took gold in the 69kg category in a tournament in Germany earlier this year.