For all the talk of the coronavirus and sporting event after sporting event getting shelved, the Olympic Games come under the spotlight in London this weekend.
Thirteen GB boxers are in the Copperbox for the launch of the European Olympic Qualification tournament.
One North-East boxing talent who will not be on the Road to Tokyo already has one eye on the following Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 – Kiaran Macdonald.
Only a mishap for GB’s number one flyweight, Galal Yafai, could open the door for Kiaran, but the level-headed Sunderland boxer knows it’s the long-term future he must concentrate on, while still being ready in case Yafai suffers an injury.
“Galal is a world-class fighter, one of the best in the world, he’s been to the Rio Olympics, he has a lot of experience,” Macdonald told punch-lines.
“He’s got the nod for the Olympic Qualifiers in London, but I’ve been told I’m first reserve, so if anything were to happen to him, I’d be in.”
Far from being resentful at having Galal in his way, Macdonald is smart enough to realise working alongside the Brummie is making him a better boxer, as proven by a successful 2019 when he clinched silvers at the Euro U22s in Russia and the Liventsev tournament in Belarus.
“I’m learning all the time sparring with him and I think we bring each other along,” said the Sunderland ABC star.
“I’ve won medals at the two tournaments in 2019 and I think I’ve turned a few heads at how I’ve performed, the Spanish lad I beat is one of the best in the world.
“I expect Galal to qualify in London, he’s one of the best out there, it would be a shock if he didn’t.
“But there is the (number one) place in the next cycle to go for, I will be coming into my prime in the next four years.
“The professional door could knock but I have to look at the situation to see what will be best for me.
“The Olympic title is the ultimate thing to win as an amateur like the world championship is the thing to win as a professional.
“I’ve got to look to do the best thing for me.”
Macdonald is based in the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield though one of the highlights of the year, to date, was a training stint in Kazakhstan.
“They are one of the best boxing nations in the world,” said the Wearsider. “It’s their national sport really, the sparring was first class, you can’t get better.”
Words: Roy Kelly
