THE President of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association has said the organisation is "appalled" at reports that one of its female underage boxers was allegedly assaulted by a male coach at a tournament in Germany.
Irish captain Mary Kate Nevin was allegedly punched in the face by a Russian coach at the team hotel at the Queens Cup in Stralsund last Saturday night.
Nevin is a first cousin of London 2012 silver medallist, John Joe Nevin, the first Irish male boxer to be ranked No.1 in the Elite World rankings.
He said: "It is disgraceful that something like this happened to one of our boxers representing their country in international competition."
Fifteen-year-old Nevin, who boxes out of the Mullingar Elite BC in the flyweight class, convincingly beat Russia's Anastasia Markowa en route to gold and the Best Junior Boxer Award in Stralsund.
The Irish champion was taken to hospital in Germany after the incident but was discharged and arrived home with the Irish squad on Sunday night.
"Mary Kate and another girl went to get a drink of coke from another girl in another room. This man came out of the room and he punched her in the eye," team manager Bernie Harold said.
Describing the incident as "very distressing", Harold said she is now awaiting a follow-up report from the German police, while IABA President Pat Ryan has been assured that the matter is being fully investigated.
He said: "The Irish Athletic Boxing Association are deeply concerned and appalled that one of our boxers was allegedly assaulted at an international underage competition.
"The German police have assured us that this matter is being fully investigated and they are working in close cooperation with the IABA and the Russia Federation.
"Ireland have had a magnificent tournament at the Queens Cup as they won fifteen medals and the Best Team award. Mary Katie Nevin also won the Best Junior Boxer Award."
Mr Ryan added: "It is absolutely appalling that this incident marred an outstanding tournament by our young boxers."
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) have also been informed of the incident.
Meanwhile, Ireland fly into Moscow on Tuesday for their final training camp with Russia and Cuba ahead of this month's AIBA World Youth Championships which begin on November 17 in St Petersburg, Russia.
