MEDAL ALERT – Amy Broadhurst blasts her way to European Championship bronze at least
Amazing Amy Broadhurst blasted her way onto the European Championship podium in Budva today.
The Louth star walked through the challenge of Serbia’s champion Milena Matovic to power her way onto the podium.
The reigning light welterweight World Champion was too skilled and strong for her opponent, and after forcing the Serb to take three standing eight counts in just over a round, she secured an impressive stoppage win.
The 25-year-old certainly didn’t look like the fighter competing above their natural weight class, as she dished out refined punishment from start to premature finish.
The win now means Broadhurst has collected World, Commonwealth and European Championship silverware this year alone, it also sees her join Katie Taylor and Michaela Walsh as a two-time European Championship medal winner, Kellie Harrington can add her name to the list tomorrow.
🥉🥉🥉🥉🥉#TeamIreland's 63kg, World Champion Amy Broadhurst, has guaranteed herself a semi-final place, and at least a bronze medal, following a R2 RSC win over Serbia pic.twitter.com/IoQbJVQi00
— IABA (@IABABOXING) October 18, 2022
Matovic was game from the off and displayed an obvious skillset but the World Champion was on a different level without having to move through the gears.
Composed and assured, Broadhurst set the pace and made sure the fight was fought on her terms. She negated the best the Serb had to offer and was landing hurtful shots from the off.
One, in particular, forced a standing eight count and helped her win the round 10-8 on three cards.
Broadhurst began landing the long lead southpaw hook in the second stanza and showed why some argue she is the best body puncher in amateur boxing with some quality midriff work.
Matovic, although still game, was starting to feel the pace and it wasn’t long before she was looking toward the referee as he counted to eight for her.
Another standing eight came seconds after and the fight was called to a halt, allowing Broadhurst to celebrate European medal success yet again.
Shannon Sweeney already banked a medal earlier in the day defeating Nicole Durikova as did Micheala Walsh with a win over Romania’s Claudia Nechita.
Christina Desmond fights against Sweden’s Hanna Ingrid Malena Hede for a medal later this evening.
Aoife O’Rourke, Kellie Harrington, Kaci Rock, and Caitlin Fryers also have quarter-finals to contest but will trade leather on Wednesday rather than today.
The EUBC and the IBA are streaming the tournament on their YouTube channels. Links, per session, will issue overnight.
Team Ireland Squad
48kg: Shannon Sweeney, St. Anne’s, Mayo
50kg: Caitlin Fryers, Immaculata BC, Belfast
52kg: Carly McNaul, Ormeau Road BC, Belfast
54kg: Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal BC, Dublin
57kg: Michaela Walsh, Emerald BC, Belfast
60kg: Kellie Harrington, St. Mary’s BC, Dublin
63kg: Amy Broadhurst, St. Bronagh’s ABC, Newry
66kg: Kaci Rock, Enniskerry BC, Wicklow
70kg: Christina Desmond, Dungarvan BC/Garda BC
75kg: Aoife O’Rourke, Olympic BC, Galway
Coaches:
Zauri Antia
John Conlan
Dmitrij Dmitruk
Eoin Pluck
Physio
Rob Tuomey.
