O’Hara: I want to win my first Senior title at the first time of asking

SHE has reigned supreme at under age and Intermediate level collecting up to nine National titles from the ages of 11-18, but now Kristina O’Hara has set her sights on becoming the ultimate 51kg fighting champion of Ireland.

The Emerald BC talent moved a step closer to National title number 10 and her first ever Senior crown with an impressive shut out victory of Kayleigh Murrihy in the National Stadium on Friday night and instantly set her sights on the final.

O’Hara is keen to win her first Senior title at the first time of asking. The EU champion faces reigning champion Ciara Smith in next weeks decider and whilst she is expecting a tough fight she is confident of victory.

“I have a good youth and junior career behind, but hopefully I will get my first senior title in my first year in the Seniors. It would mean everything to me,” O’Hara told Irish-boxing.com.

“I fight the reigning champion Ciara Smith in the final now. I have never fought her before. It will be a tough fight and a tough one to call. I don’t underestimate anyone, but you have to be confident going into any fight.”

O’Hara has the benefit of four busy rounds under her belt going into the final. Reflecting on the fight she said.

“That wasn’t my best performance, but a win is a win. I have boxed far better than that. All credit to Kayleigh they were four hard rounds. I won all four rounds but I had to dig deep at times. I wasn’t sure I won the first round but I knew I had the others. The first round is always a bit of a struggle for me, takes me time to get into my rhythm.”

O’Hara also expressed a dream beyond next weekends national decider.

“I am going to for the Olympics then that is the aim.”