Lisa O’Rourke secured a gold medal in the women’s 80kg category at the European Elite Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, defeating Russia’s Anastasiia Demurchian by a 4-1 split decision on September 24, 2026. The 24-year-old Roscommon fighter added European honours to her previous world-level achievements following a contest where judges scored the bout 29:28, 30:27, 30:27, 28:29, and 30:26 in her favour, highlighted by a strong shot landed early in the second round.
Lisa O’Rourke Claims European Gold in Sofia
Lisa O’Rourke booked her place in the 80kg final by defeating England’s Emily Asquith and Ukraine’s Iryna Lutsak. In her semi-final against Lutsak at the Asics Arena Sports Hall, the Roscommon competitor forced a first-round standing count before bossing proceedings. Entering the final, she faced 2023 World champion Anastasiia Demurchian. According to RTÉ Sport, O’Rourke secured the victory by split decision after her sister Aoife won her respective semi-final bout. “Aoife was in before me and when I heard the red corner got the win there, I was delighted,” Lisa O’Rourke told RTÉ Sport. “It did give me that extra burst. I didn’t want her to be in there lonely, so I made sure I gave it my best shot.”
Aoife O’Rourke Reaches 75kg Final
Earlier in the Thursday afternoon session, Aoife O’Rourke earned a split decision over 2025 World champion Saldant Medenova to reach the 75kg final. The 29-year-old Castlerea native went blow for blow in the centre of the ring, with four judges scoring the bout 30-27 in her favour, while a fifth judge scored it 30-27 in favour of the Russian opponent. The victory keeps her on course to capture a fourth consecutive European title. Her gold medal match pits her against Turkey’s Busra Isildar.
Michaela Walsh Takes Bronze After Semi-Final Defeat
In the 57kg category, Michaela Walsh secured a bronze medal after losing a 4-1 split decision to Hungary’s Kukhta Vlagyszlava in their semi-final. The 33-year-old Belfast native found herself behind after a cagey opening round where the World Boxing Cup Brazil silver medallist dictated terms with her right jab. Vlagyszlava swept the second round on all five judges’ scorecards. Although Walsh attempted a comeback in the final stanza, the judges scored the bout 29:28, 28:29, 28:29, 28:29, and 28:29 in favour of the Hungarian fighter. “The first round dictated the fight,” Walsh told RTÉ Sport after the bout. “I know she’s a fantastic boxer, a counter-puncher like myself, but more on the front foot. Overall I’m happy with my performance. I left it all in the ring.”
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