Walsh ruled out of World Boxing Cup with illness

Boxing Ireland’s Michaela Walsh has been ruled out of the World Boxing Cup in China through illness.

The 33-year-old was set to compete in Guiyang City in the women’s 57kg class but has withdrawn before the start of the tournament.

The Belfast boxer is expected to be fit for the start of the Commonwealth Games in July, where she will compete for Northern Ireland in Glasgow.

“Unfortunately I won’t be competing in this World Cup as I picked up an illness in camp and I am unable to compete,” Walsh posted on her Instagram.

“Back into preparation now for the Commonwealth Games next month.”

As well as medals and ranking points, the second stage of the World Boxing Cup was preparation for Walsh as she looks to defend her Commonwealth Games title.

Belfast’s Jon McConnell has also withdrawn from the tournament in China with an unspecified injury.

Jack Marley and Adam Hession both lost their opening bouts in the competition.

Paris Olympian Marley lost by split decision to Xuezhen Han of China in the 90kg class, while Hession was defeated by Mongolia’s Lundaa Gantumur in the last-32 of 60kg division.