Ceire storms to biggest win of her career

Paul Fitzpatrick

Ballyhaise fighter Ceire Smith took a huge step forward today when she stunned the boxing world with a majority decision against world-ranked no 1 Marlen Esparza of the USA at the Feliks Stamm multi-nations tournament in Poland.

The southpaw, who had just recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, turned in a brilliant performance to see off the Olympic bronze medallist in the flyweight division.

The scores were 39-37, 39-37, 37-39.

Ceire employed the tactics we gave her throughout and it was a fantastic performance and win against a world class opponent,” said Irish head coach Billy Walsh.

Esparza beat Smith in the 2014 Feliks Stamm tournament but the Cavan fighter – renowned for her power and elusive movement – has improved greatly since returning from injury.

We’re very proud of Ciara and she’s a great kid. That’s a tremendous victory today,” said Brian McKeown, Smith’s coach at the Cavan BC.