Nevin receives European invitation
Tuesday, 1 December 2009 14:59Irish senior champion John Joe Nevin has been invited onto a European team to battle it out with the rest of the world at the upcoming AIBA President's Cup in Azerbaijan.
Nevin, who claimed bantamweight bronze at this years AIBA World Senior Championships in Milan, has been selected for one of two European squads for the continental deciders.
The Confederation duels, which glove off in Baku next Tuesday, will see two teams from Europe, Asia and America and one team apiece from Africa and Oceania go head-to-head.
The winning team will receive a cheque for $50,000 dollars, while the gold medal winners in each category will also receive cheques for $3,000 dollars each.
Nevin, 20, who boxes out of the Cavan BC, will have European coaches working his corner in Baku.
However, Irish coach Zuar Anita, who worked Nevins corner at the Beijing Olympics and AIBA World Championships along with Irish head coach Billy Walsh, will accompany the Mullingar man to Baku.
Nevin, who won an historic sixth medal for Ireland at the Milan World Championships, said that he was eagerly looking forward to the prestigious tournament.
'I think the European teams will be very strong so we stand a good chance. Europe has always been the hardest continent to qualify for the Olympics from and we'll have a lot of talent and experience on our team,' said the two times Irish senior champion.
The Confederation teams are due to arrive in Baku next Sunday ahead of the weigh-in and draw. The finals will be held on December 11th at the Serhedchi Sport Complex.
The President's Cup is being held in honour of current AIBA chief Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.
