No luck for O’Rourke sisters in World finals

Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke will return to Castlerea with silver medals after losing out in their respective World finals.

The pair were both defeated by Russian opposition in Serbia this evening.

Lisa O’Rourke claimed silver after losing out to Russian Elena Gapeshina by unanimous decision.

Despite a brave effort the Tarmon based fighter was unable to deal with the front foot pressure of her 28 year old opponent. Gapeshina started quickly with her straight right hand managing to break through O’Rourke’s guard.

Lisa finished the first round strong as she landed a big right hand as part of a three punch combination while another flashy combination with 40 seconds remaining boosted hopes that O’Rourke could split the judges scorecards. However, all five judges scored the round for Gapeshina.

The Irish fighter decided to adopt a more aggressive approach in the second round. Gapeshina’s counter right hand continued to provide problems throughout with a cracking shot landed by the Russian with 45 seconds remaining the most eye catching shot of the round.

The Russia landed a cracking counter right uppercut as Gapeshina claimed the second round on all five judges’ scorecards.

Perhaps the effort from the week took its toll on Lisa as Gapeshina continued to land the counter right hand. Lisa was enjoying moments of success as she landed a nice one-two but the tidier and more effective work was coming from the Russian boxer.

Lisa could not be accused of leaving anything in the ring but Gapeshina landed another counter right hand in the closing stages to secure a unanimous decision win.

Aoife’s fight was up straight after but the Castlerea boxer was left chasing the contest after losing the opening round on four of the judges’ scorecards.

Anastasiia Shamonova started the quicker with her jab proving an effective weapon. Aoife did manage to land scoring shots when the pair were up close with a right hand downstairs midway through the round a telling punch.

However, Shamonova landed a beautiful three punch combination at the end of the round to take it on four of the judges’ scorecards.

Aoife was busier at the start of the second round but a nice jab and right hand from the Russia fighter were telling blows. Even though the two time Olympian came back with a jab and right of her own, Shamonova landed a right hand and crisp check left hook in quick succession.

This saw Shamonova secure the second round on four of the judges’ scorecards. Two judges had Shamonova 20-18 in front while another pair saw the contest level at 19-19.

Aoife could have seen the contest go to count back if she was able to win the final round but Shamonova took no chances.

She landed an crisp one-two combination at the start of the second round before another right hand over the top left Aoife in desperate need of scoring a knockdown or standing eight count.

Aoife did land a neat left hook but a right hand and left hook combination came straight back at her. 

With Aoife needing to press the action, Shamonova landed a lovely counter one-two off the backfoot and although the Tarmon native hit back with a left hand of her own, Shamonova secured the unanimous decision win.

Despite losing out at the final hurdle, Lisa can be content with responding to the niggling hand injuries that have left her struggling to build momentum while Aoife’s response to her Olympic disappointment has also been a bright spark this week.