World silver-medallist Kellie Harrington lost out to Aleksandra Ordina for a place in the 64kg quarter-finals of the European Elite Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria this afternoon.
The Russian light-welterweight earned a surprsie split-decision victory over the Dubliner, who later tweeted that she was "speechless and feeling like a broke woman".
Irish coach Zaur Antia said that he thought Harrington, who reached the World Championship final in May, had deserved to win.
Really hurting now so Bad. So bad. Speechless and feeling like a broke woman 💔. But I'll pick myself up and get behind the rest of my team
— Kellie Harrington (@Kelly64kg) November 18, 2016
Earlier, Moira McElligott beat Croatia’s Sara Beram.
The St Michael’s Athy BC featherweight won on a unanimous decision to join Grainne Walsh (69kg), Shauna O’Keeffe (60kg) and Christina Desmond (75kg) in the last eight.
All four Irish boxers will meet Russia opponents on Saturday and Sunday, with victory guaranteeing at least a bronze medal.
57kg Moira McElligott (Ireland) beat Sara Beram (Croatia) 3-0
64kg Kellie Harrington (Ireland) lost Aleksandra Ordina (Russia) 1-2
