Michaela Walsh,pictured, guaranteed Ireland at least one bronze medal at the European Elite Women’s Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria today.
The Irish feather beat Helina Bruyevich, her second victory over the tough Belarusian, on a split decision after a tight 57kg quarter-final.
Today’s win was Walsh third in four days in a week in which she stunned Italy’s current World Elite champion Alessia Mesiano.
Bernard Dunne, IABA High Performance Director and Irish team manager in Sofia, hailed Walsh’s performances as phenomenal in the Bulgarian capital this week.
The Belfast-born EU champion and two-time commonwealth finalist meets Russia’s Daria Amramova, the defending European champion, in Monday’s semi-finals for a place in Tuesday’s gold medal match.
Dublin lightweight Kellie Harrington is in action tomorrow in the last-eight of the tournament versus the Ukraine in the 6th bout on the 1st session which begins at 12 noon (Irish time).
Head coach Zaur Antia and coach Dmitry Dimitruk are working Ireland’s corner in Sofia.
Meantime, Irish female boxing has now won nine medals at this level since the inaugural tournament in France in 2001.
Katie Taylor (six gold), Clare Grace (bronze), Christina Desmond (bronze) and Walsh (at least bronze) have finished in podium positions.
Irish amateur boxing is proudly sponsored by Liffey Crane.
European Women’s Elite Championships Sofia, Bulgaria
June 5
Last 32
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Karriss Artingstal (England) 5-0
June 6
Last 16
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Alessia Mesiano (Italy) 5-0
June 7
Last 16
60kg Kellie Harrington (Ireland) beat Katerina Humlova (Czech Republic) 5-0
69kg Grainne Walsh (Ireland) lost to Iaroslava Iakushina (Russia) 0-5
June 8
Q/Final
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Helina Bruyevich (Belarus) 3-2
June 9
Q/Final
60kg Kellie Harrington (Ireland) v Iulia Tsyplakova (Ukraine)
June 11
S/Final
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) v Daria Abramova (Russia
Irish squad
57kg Michaela Walsh (Monkstown) (Bronze, at least)
60kg Kellie Harrington (St Mary’s)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Sparticus)
Team Manager: Bernard Dunne
Head Coach: Zaur Antia
Coach: Dmitry Dmitruk
Physio: Muireann Harte
R&J: Sadie Duffy