It's flown under the radar somewhat during the build-up but Ireland has a new addition to the list of current world boxing champions.
TJ Doheny defeated Ryosuke Iwasa after 12 rounds of action in Tokyo to claim the IBF World Super Bantamweight title, earning plaudits including from President Michael D Higgins.
"May I send my warmest congratulations to TJ Doheny, on winning the IBF super bantamweight boxing title. His success will surely inspire other Irish boxers, as it will young people considering take up sports."
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 16, 2018
Outstanding @TjDoheny! Congratulations!! https://t.co/tFAM9ubBb1
— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) August 16, 2018
Not a household name yet, The Irish Daily Star's sportswriter Kieran Cunningham filled us in on the Portlaoise native's background and rise to prominence on the Newsround.
🇮🇪🥊Ireland has a new world champion in the shape of @TjDoheny!@KCsixtyseven fills us in on the story of the Portlaoise pugilist on the Newsround @ScrewfixIreland
And there's even more on YouTube: https://t.co/6U0cizqZYB pic.twitter.com/GBchEkAGxT
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 16, 2018
Kieran explained why Doheny has flown under the radar for so long and why that is also the case about upcoming fights like double Olympic medalist Paddy Barnes' for the WBC flyweight belt at Windsor Park against Cristofer Rosales.
Watch the Newsround discussion on Doheny and the current state of Irish boxing above.
