Walker bows out at World Youth Championships

Updated: Thursday, 06 Dec 2012 19:07

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.

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.