In a highly anticipated rematch of the Tokyo 2020 final, Ireland’s defending champion Kellie HARRINGTON delivered a masterclass in the Women’s 66kg semifinal this evening. Facing off against Brazil’s Beatriz Iasmin SOARES FERREIRA, the bout was nothing short of electrifying. HARRINGTON took the lead in the first round, landing powerful punches that set the tone for the match. SOARES FERREIRA responded fiercely in the second round, earning a narrow 3:2 advantage. However, in the decisive third round, the Irish boxer showcased her dominance, earning five 10/9 scores from the judges and securing a 4:1 victory.
With this win, HARRINGTON has positioned herself to compete for her second consecutive Olympic gold medal, with the final set for August 6 at the iconic Stade Roland Garros. Meanwhile, SOARES FERREIRA has guaranteed a bronze medal for Brazil, adding to her impressive Olympic record.
In the Men’s 57kg quarterfinals, two more medalists were confirmed today. Munarbek SEIITBEK UULU (KGZ) advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought 3:2 split decision victory over the 2023 Pan American Games gold medallist Jahmal HARVEY (USA). Competing in his first Olympic Games, SEIITBEK UULU is already assured of at least a bronze medal but has his sights set on the top prize. His next challenge will be against 2023 European Games gold medallist Javier IBANEZ DIAZ (BUL), who secured his spot in the semifinals with a commanding 5:0 victory over Shudai HARADA (JPN).
In the Men’s 71kg event, Lewis RICHARDSON of Great Britain secured his place in the semifinals with a 3:2 split decision win over Jordan’s Zeyad EASHASH. RICHARDSON came out strong, dominating the first round with heavy blows to take it 5:0 and edging the second round 3:2. EASHASH mounted a spirited counterattack in the third round, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Reflecting on his guaranteed bronze medal, RICHARDSON expressed his joy:
“Just over the moon. Special moments in my life, my family’s life. Just to make people proud and myself proud. I feel like I’m dealing with those precious situations very well and the results speak for themselves. Olympic medallist for life. Now it’s time to change that colour.” – When asked about being the last boxer from Great Britain in the competition, he added: “Not massively. I was aware of the expectations on me from the nation from a boxing perspective. But I backed myself to perform the best I could.”
RICHARDSON’s next challenge is a semifinal bout against the second seed, Marco Alonso VERDE ALVAREZ (MEX), who secured his place with a 4:1 victory over India’s NISHANT DEV, displaying impressive offensive tactics.
In the Women’s 50kg category, third seed and Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Buse Naz CAKIROGLU of Turkey delivered a flawless performance, defeating Pihla KAIVO-OJA (FIN) with a decisive 5:0 win to advance to the semifinals. There, she will face Aira VILLEGAS of the Philippines, who clinched a hard-fought 3:2 victory over 2023 European Games silver medallist Wassila LKHADIRI (FRA). Despite LKHADIRI’s valiant effort to turn the match in her favor in the final round, VILLEGAS edged her out in a close contest, dashing the French boxer’s hopes of winning a medal on home soil.
In the Women’s 66kg quarterfinal, two-time Olympian Nien Chin CHEN (TPE) secured at least a bronze medal for Chinese Taipei with a 5:0 unanimous decision victory over Navbakhor KHAMIDOVA (UZB). CHEN will now face the second seed, Liu YANG (CHN), in the semifinals on August 6. YANG earned her place with a dominant 5:0 win over the experienced Oshin DERIEUW (BEL), showcasing her superior skills and determination.
Looking ahead, the competition will continue tomorrow with quarterfinals in the Women’s 57kg, as well as semifinals in the Women’s 54kg, Men’s 51kg, 63.5kg, 80kg, and 92kg where ten bronze medals will be awarded. The morning session starts at 11:00 (CET), and the afternoon session at 15:30 (CET).
Find the event schedule and the results here.
