THE FORTUNES of one New Ross sportsperson, whose career has been in the ascendancy over the last couple of years, were compounded recently when she took home gold from a major international boxing tournament.

Joanne Richards, from St. Michaels B.C., won gold in the Queens Cup Multi-Nations Boxing Tournament, in Stralsund, Germany.

Significantly, in winning gold she beat Bouadjaj Iman, who is the current German Champion, on her home turf.

Joanne got the luck of the draw by getting a bye into the final, however, that actually worked against her as she would have benefited from having a contest under her belt before the final.

Stan Blanche, from the St. Michael’s club, accompanied Joanne and the Irish team to the event, and said that despite stepping straight into the final Joanne boxed well enough to take all three rounds in what was a hard fought final.

“Iman proved to be a worthy champion and gave Joanne a run for her money,” said Mr. Blanche.

“In all fairness, Joanne, who has only been boxing for two years, was able to match everything her opponent threw at her and came out a worthy winner,” he added.
When asked what he predicted in terms of the future career of the teenage sensation Mr. Blanche said: “As for the future, if Joanne can keep focused, dedicated to her training, and manage the distractions that may come her way, I can predict a bright future for her in boxing.”

He went on to comment that all of the coaches and committee members involved with St. Michael’s Boxing Club are very proud of Joanne and her achievements to date.

They also wished her well for the future.