'I'm from Cavan, we're made of strong stuff'

Paul Fitzpatrick

Cavan boxer Ceire Smith is just two wins away from a medal after she won her opening bout at the World Championships in India.

The Ballyhaise southpaw beat Bulgarian Gabriella Dimitrova at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium today (Saturday) in the round of 32 to set up a tussle with Japan's Tsukini Namiki in the next round.

"It was a very good contest against a wonderful opponent. We have very similar styles and it was a very technical style bout," Ceire told The Times of India.

"I am happy to get off to a winning start. I have been in Delhi for the past few days, acclimatising myself. The tournament has been wonderful so far, India have done a great job."

Ceire's performances dipped previously due to health issues but Brian McKeown's protogé is now back in top form.

"The dental issue is over five years old now. I havehad a few tournaments after that.I have become the national flyweight champion again and I am back in the hunt since last year.

"I am from Cavan, we are made of strong stuff. I just finished my graduation in Sports Science & Health from DCU in Dublin this week. Right now, I am only focussed on training, the rest can wait."