It was a successful first day for Ireland in the ring in Rio.
Stephen Donnelly and David Oliver Joyce both progressed via unanimous decision wins. Donnelly beat Zohir Kedache of Algeria while Joyce's win was versus Andrique Allisop of the Seychelles.
Joyce endured heartbreak when he came agonisingly short of qualifying for the Olympics four years ago. Just to be in Rio was the realisation of a dream for the Mullingar fighter.
Now that he's there, Joyce is not shying away from the opportunity. His attitude after the fight while speaking with RTÉ was admirable.
This is where I'm meant to be. This is where I want to be. I'm going to enjoy every moment of it. In that ring - where I do my best things - that's where it's working for me.
The victory against Allisop means Joyce will fight Azerbaijani 2015 world silver medalist Albert Selimov in the last 16.
It is a matchup which does not faze Joyce.
It doesn't bother me. I sparred him in camps in Azerbaijan for a couple of days. He knows what he is in for. I'm going to go in there and give it hell for leather.
You can watch Joyce's interview with RTÉ below.
A 'delighted' David Oliver Joyce plans on giving it 'hell for leather' as he progresses in #Rio2016 https://t.co/5hl1XuxGo9
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 7, 2016
