Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O'Rourke enjoyed semi-final victories to progress to the gold medal match at the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships Istanbul 2022.
Now guaranteed silver medals, at least, Broadhurst secured a hard-fought victory over India fighter Parveen to progress to the final of the light welterweight (60-63kg) division, while O'Rourke moved into the light middleweight decider defeating Sema Caliskan of the host nation.
Dundalk fighter Broadhurst was first of the Irish duo into the ring on semi-final day and impressed in the opening round, but then was tested throughout the latter verses before securing a 4:1 split decision, while O'Rourke dominated in the latter rounds to secure a unanimous 5:0 win.
Both boxers will now progress to the final in a bid to follow in the footsteps of Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington in claiming a world championships gold medal.
Boxing out of the red corner, Broadhurst naturally gravitated to the middle of the ring, going straight on the attack against a cagey opponent, looking to score off her long reach, and boxing on the outside.
Using the opening minute to find her range, Broadhurst's fast hands and quick feet put immediate pressure on her opponent, while Parveen, to her credit stood tall, and looked to hit back on occasion.
But the India fighter took a big left on the chin that came straight through her guard as Broadhurst finished the round in style to take it across all five judges' scorecards.
Remaining on her feet for the break, Broadhurst was back on the attack, looking to bring that early momentum into the second stanza, and Parveen was backed up onto the ropes early, now fighting on the back foot by necessity rather than choice.
But it was a scrappier affair compared to the first, and it appeared that it was Broadhurst producing the more impressive range of shots to catch the judges' eye, while Parveen was thrice told to keep her head up.
A good flurry of punches in the final seconds from Parveen was enough to sway three judges to award her the round with two giving it to Broadhurst.
Into round three, and Broadhurst now had to regain a bit of composure to ensure that she stayed ahead on the cards, but Parveen appeared buoyed by the second round and was happy to stand toe-to-toe and push the attack.
Tiring a touch, perhaps, Broadhurst's work was a little sloppy with the taller fighter happy to spoil her movement, grappling throughout.
In the end, it was a tough round to call, and it would be an anxious wait to see whose hand would be raised.
But it was Broadhurst who looked the more confident as they waited on the decision, and it duly arrived in favour of the Irish fighter.
She will face Algeria's Imane Khelif in the final in tomorrow's evening session.
Two fights later and it was O'Rourke's time to shine as the Roscommon native looked to continue her impressive performances in Turkey.
Taking on the home favourite, the first round was split 3:2 in the Turkey fighter's favour, however, the Castlerea native boxed on the front foot throughout the second, displaying a perfect blend of confidence and composure to keep Caliskan moving backwards, staying out of trouble, while offering little in return.
A fine combination rattled the Turkey fighter in the latter stages forcing her legs to buckle a touch, with the ropes keeping her on her feet - a 5-0 result for O'Rourke put her in the driving seat heading into the final round.
O’Rourke maintained the approach in the third and kept the tempo quick with a high octane approach, while Caliskan knew she had to stand and trade following her poor second round and managed to connect on the advancing Irish fighter.
Into the final minute, and while O’Rourke stayed busy, the home fighter looked to land more eye-catching right hands, but it was a strong finish from the Roscommon boxer who landed a big right just before the bell to win the round and secure the decision.
O'Rourke will face Helena Alcinda Panguane of Mozambique in the 70kg final on Thursday evening.
