Jon McConnell wins Ireland's first medal at European Boxing Championships

Jon McConnell has secured Ireland’s first medal at the European Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, following a 3-2 split decision victory over Italy’s Gabriele Guidi Rontani in the 75kg quarter-finals. McConnell, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, noted that the fight was closely contested and physically intense, but he maintained his composure to secure the win.

Other notable performances from the Irish squad include Jude Gallagher, who advanced to the lightweight quarter-finals after a dramatic comeback victory against France’s Lounes Hamraoi. Gallagher overcame a first-round deficit to win by stoppage in the third round.

Michaela Walsh also secured a dominant win against Montenegro’s Bojana Gojkovic to advance in the featherweight category. McConnell is scheduled to face Azerbaijan’s Nabi Isgandarov in the semi-finals, while Walsh will compete for a guaranteed medal spot against Stanimira Petrova.