Sutherland back in action in time for Nationals

Sutherland Back in Action in time for the Nationals

Irish middleweight Darren Sutherland believes that at least two Irish boxers will qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Speaking prior to the start of the National Senior Championships, which began at the National Stadium in Dublin on Friday, January 19th, the St. Saviours OBA ace said he reckons that the talent is there to make a real impact in Beijing next year.

Sutherland, a DCU Sports Science student, will be defending his 75 kg crown beginning with a semi final bout against Portlaoise clubman Edward Healy at the Stadium next Friday, January 26th.

With Darren O'Neill - the main threat to Sutherland’s hopes of retaining his title - out of the equation as a result of injury, Sutherland is now hot favourite to go all the way.

However, the 24 year old, who has recovered from an eye injury sustained against Russia last May, says that he can’t afford to be complacent as there is too much at stake.

He said: "This is a massive year for us and the Senior Championships are vital as they are the first in a series of tournaments which will lead to the Olympic qualifiers in Moscow next September.

"I look at the talent here in the stadium and I firmly believe that if we work hard enough, at least two of us will make it to Olympics, definitely.”

"The Senior Championships are the first step on the road to Beijing and no one can afford any slip ups."