Gold for dominant Lisa O'Rourke at European Elites

The 24-year old put in an exceptional performance to beat her Russian opponent

Lisa O'Rourke, left, in action against Iryna Lutsak of Ukraine during their 80kg semi-final bout at the European Boxing Elite Championships. Pic: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Roscommon’s Lisa O’Rourke is a European Elite champion after a dominant display against Anastasiia Demurchian of Russia in their 80kg final in Sofia late on Thursday afternoon.

The 24-year old took the honours on a 4-1 split decision but her command of the fight was total. How the Nepalese judge awarded rounds 2 and 3 to the Russian is beyond comprehension, even by amateur boxing’s standards.