Already it's been a sensational European Games for Irish boxing. As of yet though, they have yet to pass the ultimate test - the true barometer of greatness set through generations on this island - and secure a gold medal.
This afternoon however, Michaela Walsh will be the first fighter to enter the ring in today's session as she competes for the gold medal in the featherweight final in Minsk. The Belfast pugilist is one of three Irish boxers vying for the middle berth on the podium, at only the second European Games, over the weekend.
Walsh will face stiff opposition in the final as she takes on Bulgaria's Stanimira Petrova on the next step towards the Olympics in Tokyo next year.
YEEESSSSS!!!
Michaela Walsh is through to the final!!!
Guaranteed a silver, going for Gold! #TeamIreland #Minsk2019 🥊🥊🥊 pic.twitter.com/B1F9IPilQo— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 28, 2019
Kellie Harrington and Kurt Walker also fought their way into finals in the Belorussian capital, though both must wait until tomorrow before they attempt to add to Ireland's already impressive medal haul.
World champion Harrington eased to a comfortable victory in yesterday's lightweight semi-final and now faces Mira Potkonen, the Finnish fighter who famously knocked Katie Taylor out of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, for the gold medal tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Walker will take on Mykola Butsenko in the bantamweight final.
All eyes will be on Walsh today, however, as she attempts to add to the European championships and Commonwealth medals she has already won.
To date, it's been a fantastic Games for the Irish boxing team who come home with six medals in total. Regan Buckley, Grainne Walsh and Michael Nevin all claimed bronze medals, though were unable to win their respective semi-finals.
SEE ALSO: What A Glorious European Games Means For Irish Boxers' Olympic Prospects
