Harrington defeats Ferreira to reach Olympic final

Ireland’s Kellie Harrington says she knew she was “up against it” after she moved one step closer to retaining her Olympic title by defeating Beatriz Ferreira in a thrilling semi-final in Paris.

Harrington beat the Brazilian in the final in Tokyo three years ago, and the semi-final was billed as a grudge match as Ferreira looked to get revenge.

It is set to be the final Olympics for the 34-year-old, who also has a world championship to her name.

“She’s a really tough opponent,” Harrington said. “I knew I was the underdog going into it, but I really enjoyed it.

“I think I’m happy because I’m coming to the end of my career and it’s allowing me to be a little more free.

“I just can’t believe it, it’s mad.”

It was a fast and frantic start at the North Paris Arena as both fighters, living up to the pre-bout atmosphere, looked to land some early blows, but Harrington was awarded the round 4-1 by the judges.

Ferreira was the aggressor in the second round, but every time she opened up Harrington was on hand to land a counter offensive.

Both fighters put their arms in the air as they returned to their corners after the second round, and the judges could hardly split them with 3-2 in favour of Ferreira.

That left Harrington 2-1 up heading into the decider, with two judges scoring the fight level.

It was another close final round, with both boxers landing significant blows, and again both Harrington and Ferreira put their arms up in the air at the conclusion of the bout.

However, it was the Dubliner who was left with her arm raised once the judges’ scores were in as she was declared a 4-1 winner.

The Irish support in the arena exploded with joy, and Harrington looked in disbelief as she reached her second Olympic decider.

Harrington added that the support underlined her belief that the Irish fans “are genuinely the best in the world”.

“When people are shouting ‘Kellie, Kellie, Kellie’, the lift that you get form that, it gives you an extra bit of a push.

“I’ve never had that anywhere, even in the national championships. It’s never been like that. I’d love to know how many people were out there because that was electric.”

Harrington is the last Irish boxer left in the competition and will fight China’s Wenlu Yang for gold on Tuesday night at Roland Garros.

“I’m not feeling anything, to be honest with you,” Harrington added.

“I’m very grateful to be here and these are the moments I live for, I suppose. It’s going to be another great fight and whatever will be, will be. That’s it.”