TYRONE teenager Jude Gallagher “deserves his shot” at being selected for the European Olympic qualifier next March, according to his coach Eric Donovan.
Eighteen-year-old Gallagher produced one of the performances of the night at the Irish Elite Championship finals to stun European Games bronze medallist Regan Buckley - a win that forces him right into the flyweight frame as Irish coaches look towards the Tokyo 2020 qualifier in London.
Rio Olympian Brendan Irvine is currently working his way back from a foot injury and wasn’t able to compete in the Irish Elites, but will also be in contention for the 52kg spot next year.
“I always had a view on Tokyo but coming into these championships, I always took it one fight at a time, tried to get through the tournament without getting ahead of myself,” said Gallagher.
When asked about the possibility of going head-to-head with Irvine for the flyweight frame, he kept his cards close to his chest, adding: “He is the Olympian… whatever happens, happens next. That’s all I’ll say.”
But Donovan insists the Two Castles star showed throughout the championships that he merits consideration for a place in London next March.
“He deserves his shot now at the Olympic qualifiers,” said Donovan, who worked Gallagher’s corner on Friday night before flying to Scotland the following day, defeating Edwin Tellez to extend his pro record to 11-0.
“Based on his performances at the age of 18 all week, he’s been absolutely exceptional, he deserves to have a crack just as much as the next person.
“Absolutely no disrespect to Brendan, Brendan has been there and proved himself… Jude wants the chance to prove himself, and he’s earned that right. Three fights in less than a week against last year’s elite champion, a European bronze medallist and a senior champion.
“And the thing is, we’re only scratching the surface with Jude – there’s so much more potential in him. He deserves a shot.”
