John Joe Nevin celebrated his 24th birthday with victory in the European Amateur Championships semi-final today and if the expression on his face is anything to go by it was never in doubt.
The Mullingar boxer defeated Russia's Wladimir Nikitin in the bantamweight semi-final in Minsk today, winning on a split decision after a dominant performance in the opening two rounds before a somewhat nervy final few minutes.
Despite the finish, Nevin didn’t seem in any doubt as to the result afterwards on a particularly successful day for the Irish boxers, with Paddy Barnes also making the final in the lightweight division after a seriously impressive performance in victory over Salman Alizada of Azerbaijan.
Barnes did pick up a bloody nose during the bout but the result was never in doubt, while as we write, Donegal's Jason Quigley has followed in their footsteps with victory over Yevhen Khytrov in the middleweight division and will face Bogdan Juratoni of Romania in the final, with all three guaranteed at least a silver medal.
The same will apply to Michael Conlan if he can overcome the challenge of Ovik Ogannisian later today.
On this form, however, we doubt they’ll be satisfied with that.
Pics via Inpho/Cathal Noonan 
