Michaela Walsh Hails Tactical Masterclass as she closes in on Olympic Spot
Michaela Walsh praised her coaches for winning the tactical battle and helping her to win a European Championship fight without having to go to war.
Walsh continued along the Parisian walkway thanks to an emphatic 5-0 triumph in her 57kg clash with Turkey’s Aysen Taskin on Tuesday. The Belfast boxer moved to within a win of becoming a two-time Olympian thanks to another impressive display.
The Monkstown BC claims the High-Performance Game plan and the in-fight coaching of Zaur Antia proved crucial in getting in her within touching distance of an eight major international medal.
“It feels fantastic, the coaches got the tactics spot on,” said the featherweight, a silver medallist at the last European Games.
“I just tried to stick to boxing to the best of my ability and even though I was up going into the last round, Zaur still wanted a bit more so I think I went out and showed that.
“I stepped it up a gear just to see what I can do but I feel fantastic and it’s just amazing to be part of such a great team, everyone is bouncing off each other.”
Walsh also pointed out hearing Daina Moorehouse had secured victory just before she was set to fight proved a boost.
“Just hearing Daina win before I got in gave me a little push. I feel brilliant.
“As the tournament goes on the performances are getting better and better, but we have the best coaches in the world here so they’re going to guide me and give me the tactics, all I can do is try to implement them.”
Walsh, the older sister of Olympic medal winner Aidan, now fights Dane Melissa Juvonen Mortensen for her ticket to Paris.
“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of, even being away at the last Olympics shows it can be done,” said the 30-year-old.
“For now I’m just enjoying the moment and I’ll be worrying about that tomorrow night when I’m in the ring, but I’m just so grateful to get the win, she was a very tough opponent for me.
“It was my day, fortunately.”
