Classy Kelly Harrington cruises into European quarters
Kelly Harrington had to deal with an unexpected delay but still got her European Championships campaign off to a winning start in Bulgaria this afternoon.
Just minutes before the Dublin lightweight was due to step into the ring in Sofia there was an electrical failure which delayed Harrington’s fight with Czechian Katerina Humlova.
It was no issue though as the World and EU silver medallist cruised through her bout and moved to within just one win of a medal.
Despite the delay, Harrington began sharply in an entertaining opener, boxing well out of the pocket. The St Mary’s stylist began to show some of her impressive footwork and angles in the second, spinning off well from the busy Humlova.
The Central European’s output then dipped in the final round as Harrington rounded out the unanimous win – a victory which secures her a slot at the 2019 European Games in Minsk.
Harrington joins Belfast feather Michaela Walsh in the quarters and will now face experienced Ukrainian Iulia Tsyplakova as she looks to guarantee a bronze medal.
Ireland’s third and final fighter, Offaly welter Grainne Walsh, will look to join them this evening when she faces Russian former underage star Yaroslava Yakushina.
European Women’s Elite Championships Sofia, Bulgaria
Tuesday June 5th
Last 32
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Karriss Artingstal (England) 5-0
Wednesday June 6th
Last 16
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Alessia Mesiano (Italy)
Thursday June 7th
Last 16
60kg Kelly Harrington (Ireland) v Katerina Humlova (Czech Republic)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Ireland) v Yaroslava Yakushina (Russia)
Friday June 8th
Quarter-finals
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) v Galina Bruyevich (Belarus)
60kg Kelly Harrington (Ireland) v Iulia Tsyplakova (Ukraine)
Irish squad
57kg Michaela Walsh (Monkstown)
60kg Kelly Harrington (St Mary’s)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Sparticus)
Team Manager: Bernard Dunne
Head Coach: Zaur Antia
Coach: Dmitry Dmitruk
Physio: Muireann Harte
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
