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Gareth Fullerton

New approach to boxing helping Irish Elite champion Michaela Walsh hit new heights

Michaela Walsh believes she is hitting new heights after adopting a new approach to her boxing.

Walsh proved her class once again as she claimed her 10th Irish Elite title in Dublin on Saturday night.

The Emerald BC star proved too much for Kelsey Leonard in the women's 57kg decider at the National Stadium.

Read more: Padraig McCrory on stellar year, dream fights, 'St Pody's Day' and 2023 vision

It is the latest success for Walsh, who claimed a gold medal at last summer's Commonwealth Games.

Walsh believes the past 12 months have been the best of her career, and says taking a new approach to her boxing career is reaping reward.

"I maybe put too much of an emphasis on boxing sometimes," she told belfastmedia.com..

"There's more to life than boxing and I realise that. If I did have to walk away from the sport, I have achieved my dreams.

"I'm not going to stop until I've achieved them all, but if I had to walk away now I'd be very proud and anything I achieve now is a bonus.

"I felt last year was one of my best in boxing, not because of results, but because my boxing ability came on more than any other year."

Walsh was never going to be denied by Leonard at the National Stadium, a venue the Belfast boxer says feels like a second home to her.

"Everyone asks where the favourite place is that I've boxed and I always say the National Stadium as I think it brings out a different side of me," she said.

"I knew Kelsey from when she was younger and she's a really good girl. She'd been performing well over the last few months so I knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I'm one of the best in the world at my weight and I wasn't letting anyone stand in my way tonight.

"I've been able to train at home so I've been training away with my dad, JP Delaney and Harry Hawkins.

"That helped me a lot and I think it showed in my performance tonight. Win lose or draw, I was happy with the performance."

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