World Boxing Championship Overview
The World Boxing Championship held in Liverpool has seen the exit of Michaela Walsh, a prominent featherweight from Belfast, following a closely contested bout against Shih-Yin Wu from Chinese Taipei. This match, part of the Round of 16, concluded with Walsh losing on a split decision, despite her strong start in the competition, where she had previously achieved a stoppage victory over Saudi Arabia’s Hadeel Ashbour. In this decisive encounter, four out of five judges favored Wu, with only one judge awarding all three rounds to the eventual winner.
Other Notable Matches
Earlier on the same day, fellow boxer Patsy Joyce had a victorious start in the 55kg category, defeating Korea’s Jaeyong Shin by unanimous decision, and is set to face Bulgaria’s Javier Diaz Ibanez next. Paris Olympian Dean Clancy also made a strong impression in the 65kg division, securing his advancement with a unanimous decision over Ihlasbek Kochkarov from Turkmenistan.
Advancements in the Light-Middleweight Category
In the light-middleweight category, Lisa O’Rourke, who notably clinched victory in the 2022 World Championships under the IBA banner, showcased impressive form by winning every round against Colombia’s Shirleidis O’Roczo, thus advancing to the quarter-finals.
Sisterly Success
Aoife O’Rourke, the older sister of Lisa O’Rourke, is another contender moving closer to a medal finish, having triumphed in her middleweight Round of 16 match against Monika Langerova from the Czech Republic, winning by unanimous decision.
Disappointments and Challenges
Conversely, Matthew McCole from Donegal faced disappointment as he fell to Ronald Chavez Jr. from the Philippines with a narrow 3-2 split decision in the 70kg category. Additionally, both Daina Moorehouse and Zara Breslin were unable to secure wins in their respective bouts.
