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European bronze for Christina Desmond after semi-final defeat

The Cork woman lost her bout to France’s Maily Nicar on a split decision.

IRELAND’S CHRISTINA DESMOND has narrowly missed out on becoming the first Irish woman to reach a European Elite final since Katie Taylor, but will still be bringing a bronze medal back from Bulgaria.

The Macroom native fell to a split decision (1-2 by judges) defeat, that irked coach Zaur Antia, in her middleweight semi-final bout against France’s Maily Nicar in Sofia this evening.

Desmond was guaranteed a bronze heading into today’s bout, making her the third Irish woman to earn a podium spot at this level after six-time champion Taylor and Kilkenny’s Clare Grace, who also won a bronze in 2014.

The 20-year-old has been described by Taylor as a “fantastic” talent who can “do really well over the next few years”.

You can see the fight by scrolling back through the live stream here.

Michaela Walsh, Kelly Harrington, Katie Taylor, Grainne Walsh, Ceire Smith and Christina Desmond take a selfie Christina Desmond (right) takes a selfie with the IABA High Performance Squad. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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