The father of a county Armagh Commonwealth Games hopeful will be forced to miss his son’s first fight in Glasgow after organisers changed the schedule yesterday.
Keady boxer Sean Duffy was originally due to fight in Saturday’s early afternoon session, but after Thursday’s draw, the fight was shifted to 6.55pm and into the evening session – which requires a separate ticket.
Duffy’s father Michael, along with a group of family members and friends, had not only booked return flights from Belfast on Saturday but had also purchased early morning session tickets, which now cannot be changed or refunded.
Duffy’s Light Welterweight (64kg) was advertised for months for Saturday, July 26 between 1-5pm – as it still is today – leading up to the Glasgow Games, however the schedule, released just yesterday, has the fight switched to the evening session.
Speaking to Armagh I, a devastated Michael said: “I cannot believe what has happened here. Together we’ve spent over £1,000 on flights and tickets for this one fight and in the end it looks like I’ll be on a plane when Sean’s in the ring.
“I am due to head back over during the week regardless of the result but I just thought ‘how often do you get the chance to see your son compete in the Commonwealth Games’ so I decided to go over for the day.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that this is allowed to happen; this is an international competition and I’m sure I’m not the only one left in this position.”
When Armagh I contacted the ticket office they confirmed that those with tickets for the morning session will have to pay again for the evening session. We were advised to try and sell our tickets for the morning and purchase more for the evening. Tickets range from £15-30.
We contacted the Commonwealth Games press office for more clarification but as yet we are waiting on a response.
Duffy is due to fight Sri Lankan boxer Dilshan Mohamed on Saturday evening at 6.55pm and should he successfully navigate that tie he will face the winner of Malawi’s Steven Thanki or Fabiani Gaudence Pius of Tanzania in the last 16. That fight is scheduled for 7.15pm on Sunday evening.
