Men’s Flyweight (48-52kg) – Round of 32

Brendan Irvine (Ireland) v Carlo Paalam (Philippines)

This is Irvine’s second appearance at an Olympic Games after being taught a lesson back in Rio 2016. He is one of the more experienced boxers from Ireland and that is why he was named captain of the Tokyo 2020 boxing team.

He also lead Ireland out during the opening ceremony as flag bearer with medal hopeful Kellie Harrington.

The 25-year-olds first fight would come against Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam. The young boxer from the Philippines was competing at his first Olympic Games and he wanted to make it count.

Irvine had a timid start and lost narrowly lost the first round unanimously by all five of the judges scores.

The Belfast boxer fought back in the second round back splitting the judges votes with two in favour of him. He knew that he would have to put it all in for the final round.

Both fighters went at it hard in round three, Irvine managed to split the judges votes again. Sadly, it was not enough and the Irish boxer lost the bout with the judges score of 4-1.

#Boxing 

Fighting all the way, Brendan Irvine was beaten by the Philippine boxer Carlo Palaan in the Men's Fly (48-52kg) in the Round of 32 at the Olympic Games today at the Kokugikan Arena, in a split decision 4-1#TeamIreland #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/41X3z23Or6

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 26, 2021

Women’s Featherweight (54-57kg) – Round of 16

Michaela Walsh (Ireland) v Irma Testa (Italy)

This is Michaela Walsh’s first showing at an Olympic Games. The 28-year-old is also attending Tokyo 2020 with her younger brother, boxer Aidan Walsh.

This was Walsh’s first bout in this Games as she was given a bye in the Round of 32. Her opponent, Italian Irma Testa defeated Russian Liudmila Vorontsova in the last round.

These two boxers last faced each other in the European Qualifier final which Testa won.

Testa was the physically bigger fighter with a longer reach than Walsh and it showed throughout the fight as she needed to be fast on her feet the dodge the Italians strikes.

The judges were split with three siding with Walsh after the first round. The Irish boxers swerving and ducking had frustrated the Italians.

The cagey affair continued into the second round with some strong back and forth between the fighters.

Testa unanimously won the second round so Walsh now knew that everything would come down to the final clash of gloves.

Both athletes fought vigorously until the final bell with some powerful punches thrown in the last few seconds.

Unfortunately, it was not enough for Walsh as the judges sided 5-0 for Testa and her Olympic dream was over.

She now becomes Ireland’s third boxer defeated in Tokyo 2020 with Kurt Walker our only winner in the men’s featherweight division.

Grace in defeat from @michaelaw57 #boxing #Olympics #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/O9lXAZ9Yjz

— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) July 26, 2021

Boxing on tomorrow, Tuesday, 27th July

Men’s Welterweight (63-69kg) – Round of 16 – 03:30

Aidan Walsh (Ireland) v Albert Mengue Ayissa (Cameroon)

The post Olympic Boxing: Disappointment for Irvine and Walsh in first bouts appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

For the first time ever, there can be two flag bearers from each nation – one male, one female.

The opening ceremony will begin at 12:00 pm Irish time and will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

Boxing is Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, with 16 of the 31 Irish medals having been won by boxers.

The list of Irish Olympian boxing medallists includes the undisputed lightweight champion in women’s boxing, Katie Taylor and fellow Gold Medal winner Michael Carruth.

Brendan Irvine is competing in his second Olympic Games after taking part in Rio 2016 while Harrington is embarking on her first, and is going into the tournament as one of the top-seeded boxers in the lightweight (-60kg) category.

Speaking on her selection, Harrington said: “This means so much to me, to be able to represent not only myself as a person, but as a boxer, for boxing, for my family and for Ireland. It’s an amazing honour, there are so many athletes out here, and to be chosen as one of the flagbearers is absolutely fantastic.

“I can’t believe it really. Walking out there and realising I’m the flagbearer, it’s the start of the Olympic Games, and I’m at the pinnacle of our sport.”

Her teammate Irvine is also the boxing team captain, competing in the Flyweight category (-49kg).

“I know Brendy a long time now, and he is a fantastic person. He is what you call a leader; he leads the team.

“I’m so happy that it’s him out there with me. I just know we will be looking at each other and smiling. We will be feeling so proud, and I know his family and friends and community are quite like mine and everyone will be so proud of our achievements. I’m absolutely delighted.”

Almost half of the 116 Team Ireland athletes are currently residing in the Olympic village, as well as teams who are settling into the satellite venues.

Team Ireland action begins on Friday, with the rowers in action just ahead of the Opening Ceremony. The Olympic Games in Tokyo run from Friday, July 23rd – Sunday, August 8th, with 116 Irish athletes competing.

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