Jude Gallagher and Dean Clancy extend Ireland’s winning start in Sofia

Jude Gallagher and Dean Clancy reached the last 16 at the European Elite Championship, with Gallagher winning unanimously and Clancy securing a narrow split decision.

Jude Gallagher and Dean Clancy continued Ireland’s winning start at the European Elite Championship in Sofia on Friday, taking contrasting routes into the last 16, rte.ie reported. Gallagher beat Slovakia’s Maksym Bocarov unanimously at 60kg, while Clancy edged Germany’s Mohamed Siala 3-2 at 65kg.

Both now face French opponents. Gallagher will meet Lounes Hamraoi, with Clancy taking on Hugo Grau on Sunday.

Clancy needed a strong finish after Siala had the better of the opening round. He increased the pace and found his range in the final round to secure the decision, with three judges favouring him 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28. The other two scored it 29-28 for Siala.

Gallagher took control earlier, landing his right hand in the opening round before finding success with body shots in the second. He kept Bocarov at distance in the third, earning four scores of 30-27 and one of 29-28.

Their victories followed Jon McConnell’s progress to the last 16 at 70kg on Thursday.

Clancy’s next opponent is familiar to him: he faced Grau in the Ireland v France international at the National Stadium in February, and the pair sparred during Boxing Ireland’s Commonwealth Games camp in Belfast in July.