Three years ago China’s Li Qian defeated Aoife O’Rourke by unanimous decision in a last-16 bout at the Tokyo Olympics, ending the younger woman’s run. Triple World medallist Li, who had already won bronze at the Brazil Olympics, went on to win silver.
But the tables were turned when double European champion O’Rourke avenged that defeat on Saturday, winning the semi-final of the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament 4-1 to book her slot in the final.
🚨 FINALIST!!!#TeamIreland's Paris-qualified 75kg Aoife O'Rourke has claimed a 4-1 victory over double Olympic and triple World medalist, Qian Li of 🇨🇳 to book her place in the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament finals. pic.twitter.com/Ng7v2dahvL
— IABA (@IABABOXING) February 10, 2024
Both 26-year-old O’Rourke and 33-year-old Li have already qualified for Paris 2024 at 75 kg, but the prestigious Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria offered an earlier opportunity to renew their rivalry as each woman prepares for the Olympic Games.
Castlerea local O’Rourke had handily defeated Poland’s Elzbieta Wojcik 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
Bouts are being livestreamed on the Bulgarian Boxing Federation’s YouTube channel.