Commonwealth games squad announced

Seen this on facebook. Solid squad.

 

n.ireland

Boxing - fly -Paddy Barnes,bantam- Michael Conlon,feather- Tyrone McCullagh,light- Mark O'Hara, l.welter - Steven Donnelly,welter - Paddy Gallaher,middle - Eamonn O'Kane,l.heavy - Tommy McCarthy,heavy - Steven Ward, s.heavy - Cathal McMonagle.

 

The Northen Ireland squad should get a few medals.

 

Anyone know why it's Callum Smith and not Anthony Fowler?
Didn't Fowler beat him recently?

 

I read something last month that implied Fowler is not really liked by the blazer brigade. I'm not sure whether he did beat Smith recently. Shame for the lad, he's got the skills. Happens all the time though, loads of great prospects that have been side stepped because their face doesnt fit. Problem is, I'm not sure it's a problem that can be resolved. I'd expect Fowler to pick up some ABA's before turning over with little international amateur experience. Not necessarily a bad thing, but he should just stay focused and let the powers that be go f*ck themselves. Didnt do Nigel Benn (amongst many others) any harm.

 

Fowler was one of the most impressive ABA finalists this year. He completely outboxed and stopped a lad from West Ham. Surprised he's not in it.

 

Just read this though (not been at home recently so not seen the local press);

CALLUM SMITH gave his Commonwealth Games chances a massive boost yesterday by defeating double World champion Sapiyev Serik.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor...hi-after-career-best-victory-100252-27024083/

 

Looks like my initial post and reaction was knee jerk, ignore it.

Smith beating Serik is a terrific result.

 

For completeness (from the same link above);

After being defeated by Fowler early in this year’s senior ABA finals it looked like Smith’s would be little more than a reserve for the October Games.

 

fair play to him, top result by the sounds of it

 

Fowler must be gutted but you would have to take
Smith after that win.

 

I take that point Rob, but that's not fair on the kids who are top of the pile.

It's not the case in this instance as Smith's latest win puts him top of the pile. But the England team should be about rewarding and developing the most deserving. If 'x' boxer has a style that lends itself to beating the worlds best then fine, but if 'y' keeps beating 'x' then he should be brought into the England squad and taught a different side of his game to beat those international boxers.

Granted, it doesnt always work because some boxers simply cant fight a different way. But by not rewarding the lads who are top of the pile domestically, the England set up loses a lot of credibility in my opinion.