Last updated at 11:19, Thursday, 09 August 2012

I was sceptical of seeing women’s boxing at the Olympics but it’s a fantastic spectacle and these girls can’t half fight.

Darren Herbert

The Irish turned up in their hoards to support Katie Taylor in the afternoon and sang and cheered their way throughout each round turning the arena into an amphitheatre of noise. The sound levels were recorded as being in excess of a jumbo jet taking off which is some going from the Irish.

One Irishman said it wasn’t support but a pilgrimage. The fans generated a truly remarkable atmosphere as Katie gave a superb display to gain a semi final place. Surely they can’t get any louder the next time she fights.

My final shift in the Boxing arena was spent back of house. Teams are limited to a maximum of four in the athletes’ area but often try and bring in extra coaches, physios and team members despite not all of them having the correct accreditation. I was “selected” to check them into the back of house area on arrival and ensure no one else came in. Apparently I looked as though I’d be able to stop them and direct them elsewhere. So my last shift was spent playing bouncer with Olympic boxing teams.

Some teams brought their heavyweight boxers along as support and some countries had bodyguard type security with them. Thankfully no one offered me outside but I’m more scared of the urban foxes I meet in the street each night walking home. I used my discretion to let in the Aussies toy kangaroo mascot although it didn’t have a pass. Hopefully there wasn’t a flyweight hiding inside it.

Barry McGuigan was there for a long time chatting to the Irish team, Amir Khan came past in a very dapper suit and GB’s Nicola Adams was really nice. She’d fought in the afternoon and was still there at midnight with a smile on her face for everyone.

Athletes and team members have team pin badges that they can give out to fans. Some people have collected lots of them but I’ve not felt inclined to pester people as they prepare for the biggest sporting moment of their lives. First to be checked in tonight was top ranked men’s light flyweight Shiming Zou of the People’s Republic of China and I was lucky enough to receive a pin from him without even having to ask. He won and now meets Ireland’s Paddy Barnes in the semi-final. I’m in his corner from now on.

First published at 11:18, Thursday, 09 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk