Christina Desmond: I have enough experience to get me through

Cork middleweight Christina Desmond bids to become the first Irishwoman since Katie Taylor to reach a European Elite final in Sofia, Bulgaria today. 

The Macroom southpaw faces France’s Maily Nicar this afternoon, with Natasha Gale of England and Wales’ Lauren Price clashing in the corresponding 75kg semi-final.

“If I box to my ability I know I will be fine. The thing is to get in and get my shots off and not be hit. I feel I have enough to win this and I have the experience to do it,” said Desmond of Fr. Horgan’s BC.

“She’s a strong opponent. Hopefully I can pull it off and I’ll have a final on Wednesday. It’s all about on the day.”

Desmond is guaranteed at least bronze, making her only the third Irish female boxer after six-time European champion Taylor, who makes her pro debut in London on Saturday, and Clare Grace (one bronze) to medal at this level. She’s also the second Cork boxer to medal at the European Elites since two-time Olympian Kieran Joyce won bronze at the 1983 Championships, also in Bulgaria.

Desmond has recorded some notable wins this year, including one decision over Holland’s Rio 2016 silver medallist Nouchka Fontijn. She also claimed Ireland’s first medal (bronze) at the World University Championships. “You’re always going to feel a little nervous before big fights and I’m no exception. The thing is to stay focused on what you have to do. I’ll be alright.”

Meanwhile, former Irish head coach Billy Walsh, now head coach with the USA, lost his first head-to-head with Ireland at the World Youth Championships in St Petersburg, Russia yesterday. Irish light-welter Gabriel Dossen beat Freudis Rojas of the USA, who had Walsh in his corner, on a split decision in the last 32 battle of the southpaws.