No joy for local boxers Broadhurst and Lambe

Stephen Broadhurst lost out to Michael O’Reilly on Friday night

There was no joy for Dundalk boxer Stephen Broadhurst on Friday night after he lost out to Portlaoise’s Michael O’Reilly for the 75kg senior national elite title at the National Stadium in Dublin.

The 20-year-old, who has 10 national titles under his belt at youth level, was aiming for senior success at his first attempt but the Dealgan southpaw was no match for O’Reilly, who earned a unanimous verdict over three, three minute rounds on the night.

There will also no joy for Stonetown boxer Joanne Lambe, who lost out to Dervla Duffy in the Women’s Featherweight Final.

Dundalk boxer Broadhurst hoping for national title glory tonight

Stephen Broadhurst has enjoyed huge success at youth level but will be hoping to add a senior medal to his haul in what is his first attempt tonight

Local boxer Stephen Broadhurst could be a national champion by tonight as he takes on defending champion Michael O’Reilly in the National Stadium in Dublin for the 75kg senior national elite title.

The fight, which will be shown live on TG4 from 7.30pm, is part of the IABA Elite Senior Championship finals, with 20-year-old Stephen having booked his passage there with a victory over Belfast’s Caoimhín Hayes.

That meant that the Dealgan boxer reached a senior national final in his first attempt.

Coached by his father Tony, Stephen won 10 national titles at youth level and will be hoping to add to that figure by landing a senior title tonight against Portlaoise man O’Reilly.