There was a clean sweep of wins for Ireland at the 2nd Olympic Qualifier today – all at the penultimate qualification stage, which means 5 boxers will vie to book their tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday.
54kg Jennifer Lehane was the first boxer in action today, contesting against Ukraine’s Anastasiia Kovalchuk. This was a high tempo, high punch-volume bout which Jennifer controlled from the off, claiming a 5-0 win. Judges scored the bout 30:27; 29:28; 29:28; 29:28; 30:27. She’ll box for qualification against Hungary’s Hanna Lakotar. High Performance Director Tricia Heberle says “Jennifer Lehane boxes beautifully to secure a OG quota bout for tomorrow. Very good tactically against the Ukrainian. One more win Jenny”.
Next up was 92+kg Martin McDonagh, who contested against Bulgaria’s Peter Rumenov Belberov. Martin started as he meant to go on, relying on his accuracy and speed-power, claiming all three rounds and forcing a standing count in the third. He won by UD and will contest for a place in Paris against Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan. Judges scored the bout 30:25; 30:26; 29:27; 29:26; 30:26 – reflecting Belberov’s point deduction. HPD Tricia Heberle says “Martin McDonagh boxes with maturity beyond his years to beat an experienced Bulgarian. 21yrs old and we’re nothing but proud of how he goes about his work. Great prospect.”
50kg Daina Moorehouse contested her second bout of the tournament against Guatemala’s Aylin Jamez. Daina set, and maintained, a high pace, and inflicted high-volume barrages on her opponent. She won every round, resulting in a UD. Judges scored the bout 27:30; 27:30; 27:30; 27:30; 27:30. HPD Tricia Heberle says “A dominant display and unanimous victory from Ireland’s 50kg “pocket rocket” Daina Moorehouse. One win away from an Olympic quota spot and will enter the last bout full of confidence.”
71kg Aidan Walsh was the final Ireland boxer in action today. There are 5 quota places available in his, of which four were won on Friday. This prompts a box-off series for the final place. Aidan contested his first box off against Jorge Cuellar of Cuba. Aidan boxed a highly tactical bout from just outside his opponents range, controlling bout from the off. He was the 5-0 winner on a scoreline of 29:28; 29:28; 30:27; 30: 27; 30:27. He’s boxed 6 bouts so far in the tournament, as his weight is the largest, by number. He’ll box his 7th on Sunday, against Puerto Rico’s Angel Gabriel Llanos Perez, in the hope of becoming a double Olympian. HPD Tricia Heberle says “This lad just made a very talented Cuban boxer look like a novice. Aidan is unashamedly unique in how he boxes. He learned from yesterday & contested with purpose & discipline. 5-0, 5-0 in the last two rounds says it all.”
66kg Grainne Walsh yesterday through to the quarter finals, and is a hair’s breadth from qualification, following her dominant victory over Cote d’Ivoire’s Sedja Sanogo – Grainne’s speed, ringcraft and punch-picking shone through in the UD result. She boxes for a place in Paris on Sunday against Armenia’s Ani Hovesepyan.
The team is supported in Bangkok by family, friends and club coaches who’ve travelled there for the tournament:
Day 10
All five boxers will contest their finals bouts of this tournament in the hope of booking their tickets to Paris on Sunday:
54kg Jennifer Lehane V Hungary: Ring B, Afternoon Session, Bout 2 – 7.15am, Irish time.
66kg Grainne Walsh V Armenia: Ring B, Afternoon Session, Bout 4 – 7.45am, Irish time.
50kg Daina Moorehouse V Bulgaria: Ring A, Evening Session, Bout 2 – 12:45pm, Irish time
71kg Aidan Walsh V Puerto Rico: Ring A, Evening Session, Bout 6 – 1.45pm, Irish time.
92+kg Martin McDonagh V Armenia, Ring A, Evening Session, Bout 8 – 2.15pm, Irish time.
Watch
Live-streaming of the tournament begins on Thursday, hosted here
Team
The maximum team size any federation may qualify for an Olympic Games is 13. Six Team Ireland boxers have already qualified: reigning Olympic lightweight champ, Kellie Harrington, and now double Olympians 57kg Michaela Walsh and Aoife O’Rourke. 57kg Jude Gallagher booked his ticket to Paris at the 1st Olympic World Qualifier. 63.5kg Dean Clancy and heavyweight, Jack Marley, qualified at the 2023 European Games.
50kg Daina Moorehouse, Enniskerry BC, Co. Wicklow
54kg Jennifer Lehane, DCU Boxing Club, Dublin
66kg Grainne Walsh, St. Mary’s BC, Tallaght, Dublin
51kg Sean Mari, Monkstown BC, Dublin
71kg Aidan Walsh, Holy Family Golden Gloves BC, Belfast
80kg Kelyn Cassidy, Saviour’s Crystal, Waterford.
92+kg Martin McDonagh, Galway Boxing Club.
Draws are available here
All results are here