Christopher O’Reilly blasts into medal round at World Championships

Christopher O’Reilly stormed into the quarter finals of the World Youth Championships in Russia this afternoon.

The Bracken light heavyweight took on Finland’s Krenar Aliu, a recent European Youth bronze medalist, in the Last 16, and scored a destructive points victory.

Giving away a big height advantage, O’Reilly’s long lead left hook caused some damage in the first, forcing the Nordic boxer to the ropes and rocking his head back.

O’Reilly’s power was making a dent, and Aliu’s output notably slowed in the second stanza as the Balbriggan boxer continued to force his man back with big, hurtful shots.

Both tired by the third, it was a scrappy round, but it was the Dubliner who was looking to press the action as the bout drew to a conclusion.

O’Reilly will now fight to guarantee a bronze medal on Wednesday morning against Kazakh Bekzad Nurdaueltov.

Earlier in the day there was a sensational victory for Gabriel Dossen, while Jordan Moore bowed out.