Kurt Walker booked his ticket into the last 16 of the World Elites on a split decision over Columbian southpaw David Avila in Ekaterinburg, Russia today.
Antrim's current European champion, the number 6 seed in the featherweight class, won 4-1 in his first bout at the tournament.
Avila threatened when he cut down space, but Walker, working off simple but effective two-punch combinations and body shots, was always one step ahead of his durable opponent.
Canada’s Robin Basran awaits for a place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. Basran beat Cuadra Guerrero, Nicaragua’s only boxer in Russia, earlier today.
Dublin heavyweight Afanasev dropped a 4-1 split verdict to Bulgaria’s Radoslav Panaleev.
The Smithfield BC man worked his jab to good effect in the opening round and both men delivered solid backhands in a rough three-rounder, but the judges leaned toward the aggression of the Bulgarian.
🥊 RESULT 🥊
— IABA (@IABABOXING) September 15, 2019
Our captain @KurtWalker7 campaign at the World Championship is up and running as he secures a split decision (4-1) win over 🇨🇴 after a strong opening performance!
He returns to the ring for the Last 16 stage on Tuesday!
WELL DONE KURT!🇮🇪#TeamIreland #RoadToTokyo pic.twitter.com/7k8uuhMoFf
