Best ever boxing result for Midlands

John Joe Nevin has once again proved why he is Irish boxing's rising star by claiming the bronze at the World Boxing Championships. Taking a bronze medal in the world ring is no mean feat but with a broken right thumb, it is nothing short of astounding.John Joe took the medal despite being unable to throw a decent right hook after sustaining the injury in the second round against a Serbian champ.He went onto to box twice more and kept his injury secret despite for fear that he would not be allowed to continue in the competition. Even with his famous right hand all but out of operation John Joe went on to win two more fights before he was confirmed as bronze medallist when he was knocked out by the Russian champion."The thing is that I have already beaten the Bulgarian who went on to take the title. He took out the Russian that beat me. What I've taken from all of this is that I can stand with the very best of them and I can do it. Billy Walsh the head Irish coach said it himself. He said that I'm one of the best boxers in the world."I beat the man who took the title before and if I hadn't broken my thumb then who knows. My dream was always to get to the Olympics. I didn't think that it would be Bejing but I made it anyway. This time I am focused on London and of course for the European title next year."John Joe is to have a rare week off before getting back on the road for his daily training schedule."More than anyone else I would like to thank my father because I would be no where near where I am now if he hadn't supported it me all the way. It never mattered where it was he has driven me the length and breadth of Ireland since I started boxing and I owe everything to him. I would also like to thank everyone in Mullingar who has supported me and all my friends and family."