– Niall Kelly reports from Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro
MIRA POTKONEN SET her sights on even bigger glories as her shock win against Olympic champion Katie Taylor started to sink in.
Potkonen guaranteed Finland’s first medal at the Rio 2016 games with a stunning split decision win against Ireland’s champion in the quarter-finals.
It secures a bronze medal at minimum for the 36-year-old, who now faces China’s Junhua Yin in Wednesday’s semi-finals with a chance to upgrade to silver or gold.
“It was awesome,” she said. “I have lost so many times to her so it’s great.”
After four tense rounds, Taylor and Potkonen each won a card 39-37 but Ecuadorian judge Clemente Carrillo scored it a 38-38 draw and then split the tie in favour of the Finn.
As they waited for the decision, Potkonen had no idea if she had won the fight or not.
“I was not confident,” the world bronze medallist admitted. “I am always scared while waiting.”
While Taylor’s camp fumed at the scoring of the fight, Potkonen made it clear that she can go even further in this tournament.
Was this her greatest day in the ring?
“Not yet,” she insisted. “That moment will come.”
Hotline Rings: Rio 2016 / SoundCloud
