SEVERAL MORE IRISH boxers are one win away from a medal at the Women’s European Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro.
After a string of positive results from Kellie Harrington and co. yesterday, Aoife O’Rourke, Amy Broadhurst and Christina Desmond all triumphed today.
The day began with Niamh Fay — reigning European U22 champion — exiting following a valiantly-fought 54kg battle against Ukraine’s Anastasiia Kovalchuk, but it was all wins for the Irish thereafter.
O’Rourke began the defence of her European heavyweight title with a comprehensive 75kg victory over Stavridon Vasiliki of Greece, while Broadhurst made light work of Turkish opponent Sema Caliskan in their 63kg showdown.
Dundalk woman Broadhurst is on course to win a unique hat-trick of gold medals, having already claimed the light-welterweight title at the World Championships in May and the Commonwealth Games lightweight crown in July.
Desmond is also one win away from a podium place following her last-16 win over Ukraine’s Malovana Maryna at 70kg.
O’Rourke’s quarter-final is set for Wednesday against Busra Isildar of Turkey, with further details of the next fights to be finalised.
See IABA for more details.