Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ireland's Kellie Harrington hits Colombia's Angie Valdes in their women's 60 kg quarterfinal boxing match Alamy Stock Photo

Kellie Harrington secures bronze medal (at least) with quarter-final win over Colombian boxer

The third round saw Harrington in full control as Valdés had to chase points.

KELLIE HARRINGTON HAS won her quarter-final fight against Colombian opponent Angie Valdés in the women’s lightweight division in Paris. 

What had been billed as a tough bout against the World Championship semi-finalist proved to be a relatively straightforward affair for the defending Olympic champion. 

The Dubliner will now progress to the semi-final stage, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal (both losing semi-finalists get bronze in the boxing). 

Harrington, 34, had begun her title defence on Monday with a masterful display against former featherweight world champion Alessia Mesiano from Italy. Tonight saw her deliver more of the same against her Colombian opponent. 

While Valdés had walked out smiling as she bounced her way towards the ring, Harrington looked the picture of poise and quiet confidence as she walked in. 

Round one saw both fighters exchange point-scoring shots but Harrington landed the most impactful punches, which put her in the driving seat going into the second round. 

In round two, the crowd was treated to more of the same with both fighters showing their high skill levels. Harrington looked more and more comfortable as the round went on, maintaining her distance and staying patient while Valdés struggled to close the gap. 

The third round saw Harrington in full control as Valdés had to chase points. Harrington picked her off at will while keeping her distance masterfully, landing multiple clean shots throughout. 

“I enjoyed it,” Harrington told RTÉ after the fight while praising her opponent. 

Speaking about media coverage in the buildup to today’s bout, Harrington said there are no easy fights at the Olympic Games.

“Let me tell you something here and now right, every person in these games, in the Olympic Games, is a brilliant opponent. There is no easy fights here,” she said.

“There is no easy contests here, they’re all hard. Nobody gets to an Olympic Games without being at the absolute top of their game.”

On the fight itself, Harrington said: “I felt relaxed going in there. I listened to what the coaches were telling me and it was working.” 

Hinting at a likey retirement from international competition after the Paris Games, she said that “these are the times I need to be enjoying because the boots will be getting hung up soon”.

Harrington will be back in the ring for 60kg semi-finals on Saturday.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
31 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deirdre Moffat
    Favourite Deirdre Moffat
    Report
    Dec 25th 2024, 10:15 PM

    8 out of 10. Very proud!! Happy Christmas everyone!!

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Red
    Favourite Paul Red
    Report
    Dec 25th 2024, 10:24 PM

    The lyrics of the last question are way off. Google is your friend journalist

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Hunt
    Favourite Brian Hunt
    Report
    Dec 25th 2024, 10:47 PM

    @Paul Red: Ah….but that would be cheating!

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Troll Hunter
    Favourite Troll Hunter
    Report
    Dec 25th 2024, 10:54 PM

    @Paul Red: Ah man, twas only one I got right.

    19
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute damien leen
    Favourite damien leen
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 6:39 AM

    @Troll Hunter: making my score of 2 look decent, jayus!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nollaig o cellaigh
    Favourite nollaig o cellaigh
    Report
    Dec 25th 2024, 11:01 PM

    6/10
    Christmas ruined!!!

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute reg morrisey
    Favourite reg morrisey
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 1:11 AM

    A Christmas gift from ALLIANZ!!
    lower your bloody prices ffs

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute damien leen
    Favourite damien leen
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 6:37 AM

    Wowzers! 2 out 10…I’ll get me jacket.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rafa C
    Favourite Rafa C
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 9:21 AM

    0 of them right. Then again I don’t listen to any christmas music so I’m not surprised. Glad it’s over.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Hackett
    Favourite Paul Hackett
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 11:00 AM

    @Rafa C: your on another comment section giving out about Christmas and all the traditions now here giving out about Christmas songs would you not feel more at home going back to Arabia they don’t like Christmas either

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus Doyle
    Favourite Seamus Doyle
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 6:09 PM

    Someone in Journal wants to check their lyrics.
    The horse came in at 10 to one.
    Proof reader required.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraig O'Brien
    Favourite Padraig O'Brien
    Report
    Dec 26th 2024, 11:54 AM

    7 from 10. I’m ashamed of myself!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds