Medal blow – Kellie Harrington ruled out of the European Championships

A major medal hope for Ireland has been ruled out of the up coming European Championships.

World Elite lightweight champion Kellie Harrington won’t travel to Spain next month to compete in the prestigious contest because of injury.

The hand injury that prevented the Inner City Dub from fighting for gold in the European Games in Minsk has yet to heal sufficiently.

As a result the Toyko 2020 Olympic medal hope won’t compete in Spain.

High Peformance director Bernard Dunne intimated Harrington could have been risked, but revealed there was little point in risking the world #1 with the World Championships now confirmed for Siberia in October.

It seems the IABA feel it more important that Harrington defend her world crown rather than take any risks at the European Championships where she won bronze last year.

There had been doubts with regard to the Worlds due to the fact the International Boxing Association [AIBA] were been banned from any involvement with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including the qualifiers.

However, the tournament is going ahead in early October in Ulan-Ude.

It is currently unclear whether Amy Broadhurst will be sent in Harrington’s place, while the make-up of the squad that will head to Madrid in three weeks’ time is also unconfirmed at this time.