Right now Billy Walsh is making sure his seat is in an upright position and the IABA are, supposedly, preparing to explain how they let him leave.
The former head of Irish boxing’s hugely successful High Performance Unit is en route to Memphis for the US Olympic trials where he is expected to sign on as head coach of the American Women’s Team.
Despite unprecedented pressure in recent days from the Irish Sports Council, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have failed to explain how a new contract agreed by all parties in August was never brought before the IABA’s executive council.
It is believed Wexford native Walsh, who has masterminded seven Olympic medals in his time running the HPU, was seeking more autonomy in terms of team selection, which the IABA were unwilling to cede.
Walsh’s departure for the United States means he will be coaching potential competitors of Irish Olympians – including defensing champions Katie Taylor – at next summer’s Rio Games.
Meanwhile the angry boxing fraternity will await the IABA’s explanation with interest.
And he's gone … Billy Walsh leaving Dublin airport for the US #boxing @sportsdes pic.twitter.com/iNEItu5aEH
— Morning Ireland (@morningireland) October 22, 2015
Photos of Billy Walsh checking in at airport this morning for flight to US are very sad. What a ridiculous end to a salvageable situation.
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) October 22, 2015
Billy Walsh is a national hero.
Carruth and the IABA board have self serving, ulterior motives and no doubt questions to answer. #boxing— Derek McDermott (@derek__z61) October 22, 2015
