Four Waterford boxers will be in action this coming weekend at the National Senior Elite Championships.
With a quarter-final judges' decision victory over Jake McMahon, Sean Purcell advances at 57kg where he will meet Jordan Smith of Holy Family in the semi-finals. The Saviour's Crystals' boxer is due to be in action in bout number two on Friday, January 20th.
— IABA (@IABABOXING) January 14, 2023
Dungarvan resident Christina Desmond moved on to the semis following a walkover in her first bout. She will now face Tiffany O'Reilly in the final four at 70kg on Saturday, the 21st.
Friday night will see defending light heavyweight champion Kelyn Cassidy get his first ring time at these championships. The Saviours' Crystal's man will be up against Brian Kennedy at 80kg where a win would send him through to the deciding bout with the chance to retain his title.
One of the most intriguing stories of the championships however is Zara Breslin. The Tramore native beat Clodagh Greene 5-0 to advance to the next round where she will be facing the most talented and experienced boxer in the bracket.
— IABA (@IABABOXING) January 14, 2023
Breslin is up against none other than Kellie Harrington. Little needs to be said about Harrington to put across the enormity of the task that Breslin faces. The Dubliner is the reigning Olympic and European Champion at 60 kilos and will provide Breslin with the sternest test she is ever likely to face. For a young boxer who is starting out on their journey in the sport, this is the kind of fight that will show what Breslin is made of.
We will find out on Saturday night if Zara can pull off one of the greatest upsets in Irish boxing history.
