Michael Nevin was the first of the Irish boxers to take to the ring at the World Men’s Elite Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
The Portlaoise middleweight stepped between the ropes in the preliminary round and secured his place in the last 32 with a unanimous decision win over Moldovan Anrdrei Vreme.
Nevin, who won bronze at the European Games in June, won on all five of the judges scorecards (29-28 x 3 and 30-27 x2).
The 20-year-old had a considerable height and reach advantage but was made to work for the win against the busy Vreme.
Nevin will be back in action on Saturday morning when he will face Lithuanian Vytautas Balsys.
Two more Irish boxers will be aiming for a place in the last 32 tomorrow.
September 10:
81kg Kane Tucker (Ireland) v Erkin Adylbek (Kyrgyzstan)
91kg Kiril Afanasev (Ireland) v Austin Aokuso (Australia)
