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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Luke Jennings

Kellie Harrington wins gold at European Games in Poland as she beats Natalia Shadrina in final

Olympic champion Kellie Harrington claimed gold as she beat Serbia's Natalia Shadrina in the lightweight final at the European Games on Saturday.

The Portland Row native won via unanimous decision to add the European Games gold to her extensive list of major medals.

The St Mary’s Boxing Club star previously reached the European Games in 2019 but had to withdraw due to a hand injury. The 33-year-old can now turn her focus towards next year's Olympics in Paris.

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In the first round, Shadrina started the stronger of the two as she pressed Harrington from the off. As the round went on, however, Harrington took the centre of the ring.

The second round saw Harrington come out strong as she went to work on the body of Shadrina. Harrington continued to land huge shots as the round went on to leave no doubt in the minds of the judges.

The Dubliner then had Shadrina on the ropes in the third. Although, as the round approached it's conclusion, the clinch would be where both fighters found success.

Overall, Harrington will be delighted to take her gold medal back home after impressive performances at the tournament, including against France's Estelle Mossely at the semi-final stage.

She said: "In the first round, I wouldn't say I was asleep but I was in sparring mode, sussing it out and seeing what she was going to bring. I sussed it out that she was jumping in with her shots.

"I came back out when it was 3-2 and I knew I had to put a bit of a push on - but not pushing on silly and getting caught. That's what I did in the second round.

"I wouldn't say it was domination. It was more being smart, being tactical. I wasn't going in to knock anyone out; I just needed to win a chess match; she was trying to jump in. A fight is a fight, a win is a win. You have to do what you have to do."

Meanwhile, Jack Marley returns home with his first senior international medal and a ticket to Paris 2024 following a unanimous decision defeat to Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine in Saturday's heavyweight (92kg) final.

The 20-year-old Dubliner was delighted with his silver medal saying: “It’s an absolute privilege for myself, and my club (Monkstown BC), my country, friends, family; everyone, I’m just delighted.”

Italian Mouhiidine; a two-time world silver medallist and 2022 European Champion beat Marley 10-9 in all three rounds to take the gold medal on a unanimous decision 5-0.

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