Olympics boxing: Kellie Harrington defeats Beatriz Ferreira to reach final
![Olympics boxing: Kellie Harrington defeats Beatriz Ferreira to reach final Olympics boxing: Kellie Harrington defeats Beatriz Ferreira to reach final](https://i0.wp.com/ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_sport/7349/live/38e743f0-51dc-11ef-ac2f-f9931286ce4c.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1)
Ireland’s Kellie Harrington says she knew she was “up against it” after she moved one step closer to retaining her Olympic title by defeating Beatriz Ferreira in a thrilling semi-final in Paris.
Harrington beat the Brazilian in the final in Tokyo three years ago, and the semi-final was billed as a grudge match as Ferreira looked to get revenge.
It is set to be the final Olympics for the 34-year-old, who also has a world championship to her name.
“She’s a really tough opponent,” Harrington said. “I knew I was the underdog going into it, but I really enjoyed it.
“I think I’m happy because I’m coming to the end of my career and it’s allowing me to be a little more free.
“I just can’t believe it, it’s mad.”
It was a fast and frantic start at the North Paris Arena as both fighters, living up to the pre-bout atmosphere, looked to land some early blows, but Harrington was awarded the round 4-1 by the judges.
Ferreira was the aggressor in the second round, but every time she opened up Harrington was on hand to land a counter offensive.
Both fighters put their arms in the air as they returned to their corners after the second round, and the judges could hardly split them with 3-2 in favour of Ferreira.
That left Harrington 2-1 up heading into the decider, with two judges scoring the fight level.
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