Kurt Walker bows out at World Youth Championships

Kurt Walker had to settle for bronze at the AIBA World Youth Championships in Armenia after losing out to England's Oliver Simpson in the 52kg semi-final.

Walker, who was trailing 9-5 when he answered the bell for the final frame, produced a big finish against the Yorkshire flyweight, but was edged out on a 14-12 decision.

Simpson will now meet Jeyvier Cintron Ocasio of Puerto Rico, who beat Cuba's Luis Cordero-Parlay, in Friday's final.

Ireland coach Billy McClean was nonetheless delighted by his charge’s performance, saying: "Kurt can be very, very proud of his performance. He had a storming final round and he might have nicked it in the end.

“We're proud of the performances of our squad at this tournament, particularly as we had a really tough draw.”

Walker was the last Irish fighter left in the competition.

However, Katie Taylor will collect the AIBA World Female Boxer of the Year Award for a third time in Yerevan on Friday, while Michael Gallagher will pick up his second AIBA World Referee and Judge Award.