Irish Boxers Shine at World Boxing Championships
In an impressive showcase of talent, Irish boxers Aoife O’Rourke and Patsy Joyce have both clinched guaranteed bronze medals at the ongoing World Boxing Championships held in Liverpool.
Aoife O’Rourke’s Journey
O’Rourke triumphed in her quarter-final bout, overcoming Norway’s Sunniva Hofstand with a convincing 4-1 score from the judges in the women’s 75kg category. Looking ahead, she is set to compete against Chengyu Yang of China in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Reflecting on her journey, O’Rourke remarked, “It’s just about taking it one fight at a time. I am just grateful to have gotten that medal and we’ll push on in the next one and see what we can do.”
Patsy Joyce’s Underdog Story
Similarly, Joyce has advanced to the later stages of the men’s 55kg division after a nail-biting 3-2 split decision victory over Uzbekistan’s Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov. The 19-year-old from Westmeath remarked on his role as the underdog during the tournament, stating:
“I was the underdog. I was the underdog yesterday as well against Bulgaria’s Javier Ibanez Diaz, but age is only a number. I came here, 19 years of age, the youngest one on the team, and I’m smashing them up.”
Joyce’s next challenge will be against Spanish contender Rafael Serrano Lozano in the semi-finals, also scheduled for Saturday. The performances of both athletes have placed them in the spotlight as they aim for greater accolades at the prestigious event.
