ST JOSEPH’S boxing trainer Tony Borg has backed his star pupils Sean McGoldrick and Joe Cordina to win gold at Glasgow 2014 this weekend.
Defending champion Sean McGoldrick faces Northern Ireland’s Michael Conlan in his 56kg semi-final at 1.30pm today.
And Cordina is up against Scotland’s Charlie Flynn at around 7pm in the last four of the 60kg division.
Both have already guaranteed themselves at least a bronze medal but Borg is certain that they can win today and go for glory in the finals tomorrow night.
“It started off badly for the gym with Andrew Selby losing in the first round but Sean and Joe have both produced the goods,” said Borg, who is in Glasgow to cheer on his fighters.
“We wanted three medals and we expected three medals but it’s not too bad to have two medals in the one gym.
“They are both happy to have secured a medal but they will fight to the end. They want gold and we’re hoping that we have two golds coming back to Newport on Monday.”
Borg admits that McGoldrick faces a tough task against the impressive Conlan but he’s certain the Delhi 2010 gold medallist can prevail.
“Conlan is very good and there is a lot of mutual respect between him and Sean,” said Borg.
“It’ll be a good fight but Seam can beat anyone on his day. He won gold at 18 and he’s improving all the time.
“He has respect for Conlan but no fear.
“Joe is probably the favourite to win his semi,” he added.
“The crowd will be against him but I think he can win quite comfortably and then it’s onto the final. He’s looking very good.”
Bargoed boxer Lauren Price is also in semi-final action today as she takes on Canadian Ariane Fortin at 7pm.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s amazing,” she said after her unanimous 40-36 victory over Australian Kaye Scott on Wednesday. “I definitely want gold now.”
And her Welsh teammates Nathan Thorley and Ashley Williams fight for a place in their finals at 2.30pm and 7.30pm respectively.
“I am over the moon,” said Welsh boxing coach Colin Jones.
“It was fantastic we could secure a record amount of medals with five guaranteed.
“All these boxers have worked very hard over the last 18 months and especially over the last four weeks.
“They have got themselves in excellent condition and I would say this is the fittest team we have ever had.
“It’s an added bonus because we can work with most of these boxers right through to the Gold Coast in 2018 now as well.
“We are not going to sit back on our laurels and just say we have five medals,” he added.
“If anybody deserves it is these guys and we are going for gold.”
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