Lisa O’Rourke crowned European champion

Lisa O’Rourke is the new European champion as she proved too strong for Russia’s Anastasiia Demurchian.

The 2022 world champion and 2025 silver medalist at the world championships has been in sparkling form so far at these championships, but despite facing her toughest opponent yet in Demurchian, O’Rourke’s front foot style overpowered her Russian opponent.

The win ensures there is a possibility of two gold medals returning to Castlerea as Lisa’s sister Aoife will fight for gold on Friday evening in the final of the 75kg division against Turkey's Busra Isildar where she will be hoping to retain her European title.

Lisa took the centre of the ring from the offset, landing a left hook and a straight right hand in the opening 30 seconds. A strong job that rocked her opponent’s head back saw her enjoy an early advantage.

Even though her Russian opponent grew into the first round, O’Rourke’s front foot aggression saw her claim the round in the eyes of four of the judges.

O’Rourke produced more eye catching shots in the second round as her right hand found a home on the chin of Demurchian.

The Castlerea boxer’s front foot pressure was overpowering her game opponent as O’Rourke claimed the second round in the eyes of four of the five judges.

With three judges scoring the contest, 20-18 with another two seeing the bout tied at 19-19, O’Rourke knew she was in pole position for gold.

She controlled the third round with four of the five judges awarding her the decision to ensure there will be at least one gold medal coming back to Roscommon.