PICTURES: Billy Walsh will soon be walking in Memphis as US boxing coach after leaving Dublin Airport this morning

Right now Billy Walsh is making sure his seat is in an upright position and the IABA are, supposedly, preparing to explain how they let him leave.

The former head of Irish boxing's hugely successful High Performance Unit is en route to Memphis for the US Olympic trials where he is expected to sign on as head coach of the American Women's Team. Despite unprecedented pressure in recent days from the Irish Sports Council, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have failed to explain how a new contract agreed by all parties in August was never brought before the IABA's executive council. It is believed Wexford native Walsh, who has masterminded seven Olympic medals in his time running the HPU, was seeking more autonomy in terms of team selection, which the IABA were unwilling to cede. Walsh's departure for the United States means he will be coaching potential competitors of Irish Olympians - including defensing champions Katie Taylor - at next summer's Rio Games. Meanwhile the angry boxing fraternity will await the IABA's explanation with interest. https://twitter.com/morningireland/status/657101033336918016 https://twitter.com/jacquihurley/status/657100289946820608 https://twitter.com/derek__z61/status/657098510706298880