Christina Desmond showed great composure as she advanced to the last 16 of the World Elite Championships in Siberia today.
The Cork welterweight beat Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sandy Ryan on a split decision of 4-1, following Ceire Smith's lead to become the second member of Team Ireland to advance.
The southpaw, whose backhand repeatedly stung the Derby orthodox, won the first round on the unofficial cards, and Ryan, benefiting from a surprise public warning for slapping, claimed the second.
However, Desmond, a former European bronze medallist, put the foot on the gas in the final 30 seconds of a close bout to seal victory.
She’ll now meet Canada’s Myrian Da Silva next Wednesday. The Quebec-native and Pan American finalist is the number 5 seed in the welter class in Ulan-Ude.
Meanwhile, Belfast feather Michaela Walsh, the number five seed, meets Carmara Fatoumata of Mali for a place in the last 16 tomorrow.
Amy Broadhurst meets Germany’s Maya Kleinhans on Sunday.
🥊 RESULT 🥊
— IABA (@IABABOXING) October 4, 2019
It's two from two for Team Ireland
as @Tina_Desmond books her place in the Last 16 with a win via SD over England's Sandy Ryan!
She returns to action on Wednesday when she faces 🇨🇦 for a place in the Last 8!
WELL DONE TINA! 🇮🇪🥊#TeamIreland #RoadToTokyo #20x20 pic.twitter.com/jUDi0eK85P
