Ireland’s Kellie Harrington has moved one step closer to retaining her Olympic gold medal after defeating Italy’s Alessia Mesiano in the last 16.
The victory, by unanimous decision, means that Harrington is one bout away from her second Olympic medal after she won women’s 60kg gold in Tokyo.
The 34-year-old Dubliner immediately looked to get to work at the North Paris Arena, landing some strong blows on the Italian who, to her credit, was able to counter – albeit without the ferocity of Harrington.
The first round went to Harrington, and the second followed as more strong connections saw the judges favour the Irish fighter.
She didn’t let off in the final round as she wrapped up a convincing victory.
Harrington will fight the winner of Kosovo’s Sadiku Donjeta and Columbia’s Angie Paolo Valdez in the quarter-finals on Wednesday 31 July.
After a poor start for Ireland’s boxers, as Dean Clancy, Aidan Walsh and Grainne Walsh all exited after their first bouts, wins for Jack Marley and Harrington have put the Irish boxing team in a stronger position.