Ireland’s boxers advance at EUBC championships in Italy. by Michael O’Neill

(AUGUST 7) A pretty good weekend for Irish women boxers in the first major women’s tournament in Europe this year. No Katie Taylor this year of course as she is now a Pro but the young Irish team has done well so far now that we’ve reached the Quarter-final stage of the EUBC European Union Championships in Cascia, Italy.

On Saturday, Michaela Walsh and Kellie Harrington got Ireland off to a winning start on Day 1.

The Antrim and Dublin bantam and light – the 2014 and 2016 Commonwealth and World Elite finalists – earned unanimous and 4-1 split decisions over England and Poland’s champions.

Walsh came from behind after losing the first frame 4-1 to ex-European Junior champion Jones of the Heart of Portsmouth ABC, and World No. 2 ranked Harrington won 4-1 after a 60kg battle with Kinga Szalachcic of Poland.

Both boxers are now through to Monday’s quarter-finals against the Moldova and Denmark’s title holders and are one win each away from at least bronze.

Cork middle Christina Desmond received a bye into the last-eight and will meet Nouchka Fontijn, (whom Desmond beat in 2016) of the Netherlands who lost to Claressa Shields in the Rio 2016 Olympic final. The winner here will also be guaranteed at least bronze.

Dervla Duffy and Kristina O’Hara convincingly advanced from Sunday’s session, but Carly McNaul bowed out on a split decision to France, despite putting up a fine performance, losing out on a split 3-2 decision against French champion, Wassila Lhadiri.

In late changes to Monday’s programme, the EUBC have re-ordered the programme and now quarter-finals will take place in the 54kg, 60kg and 69kg weight divisions thus Irish fans wish every success to Michaela Walsh, Kellie Harrington and Grainne Walsh in their efforts to guarantee a medal at these championships.

You can follow the later stages of this event during the week . Ireland took seven boxers to these championships as Geesala’s former World Junior Champion, Ciara Ginty had to withdraw due to an 11th hour ankle injury. We wish Ciara a speedy recovery and quick return to the ring.

England and Wales are also well represented at the quarter final stages with such as Sandy Ryan, Lisa Whiteside, Shona Whitwell and Lauren Price going strong in the early days.

Monday’s programme – in Cascia is here. Good Luck to all those still striving for a medal whichever country they represent. This is the European Union Championships comprising all members of the EU and thus not to be confused with the more Senior European Championships, the latter being open to all members of the EUBC :

http://www.eubcboxing.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Daily-schedule-07-August-2017-session-3.pdf?x13286