Lisa O’Rourke Wins Gold at European Championships

O’Rourke Dominates Final Bout in Sofia

The 24-year-old light-heavyweight from Castlerea controlled the opening exchanges against the 2023 world champion, landing a standout shot early in the second round and maintaining an all-action style throughout the bout. The triumph marks a successful return for the Irish athlete, who spent a year away from competition after twice breaking a bone in her hand.

“I didn’t know what way it was going to go when it’s your first tournament back. To get four wins from four, boxing three back-to-back days, it was tough.” On her path to the final, O’Rourke defeated England’s Emily Asquith and Ukraine’s Iryna Lutsak. Her sister, Aoife O’Rourke, is scheduled to compete in her own European final in the 75kg category on Friday.

Walsh Settles for Bronze After Semi-Final Defeat

Earlier in the tournament, Michaela Walsh secured a bronze medal in the 57kg division following a hard-fought semi-final against Hungary’s Kukhta Vlagyszlava. The 33-year-old Belfast native entered the bout as the underdog against the World Boxing Cup Brazil silver medallist. Vlagyszlava dictated terms with her right jab, taking a narrow 3-2 lead in the first round before sweeping all five scorecards in a dominant second frame. Walsh rallied in the final three minutes to win the third round across all cards, but the deficit proved too large, resulting in a 4-1 decision for the Hungarian.

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“The first round dictated the fight,” Walsh told RTÉ Sport. “I know she’s a fantastic boxer, a counter-puncher like myself, but more on the front foot. Sometimes that can favour the judges’ perception, but overall I’m happy with my performance. I left it all in the ring and I don’t think I could have done any more.” The two-time Olympian noted that the result marks her third podium finish of the year, following a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in July and a bronze in Strandja in February.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight class did Lisa O’Rourke win gold in?

Lisa O’Rourke won her European gold medal in the newly contested 80kg light-heavyweight category.

Who did Lisa O’Rourke defeat in the final?

She defeated Russia’s Anastasiia Demurchian, the 2023 world champion, by a 4-1 split decision.

How did Michaela Walsh perform at the European Elite Boxing Championships?

Walsh claimed a bronze medal in the 57kg division after losing a close split-decision semi-final to Hungary’s Kukhta Vlagyszlava.