2016 Women's World Championships

Joe_ Public · 18-05-2016 1:04pm #1

Looking at the draw for the world champs, probably going to be Katie Taylor's best ever achievement if she takes gold here. First fight on Saturday will likely be against the Italian Irma Testa who's already qualified for Rio. Expect Taylor to win but it's a tough enough assignment for a last 32. Seeded to meet Alekseevna in the semi-final, I'm assuming she'll have her Olympic place secured by that point (open to correction on that) but of course she'll be desperate for revenge. Really looking forward to these championships.

Ceire Smith is out tomorrow against Colombian Ingrit Valencia. Don't know much about her other than that she's Olympic bound, having reached the finals of the American qualifier. Looks a tough opening bout for Smith.

walshb · 18-05-2016 1:27pm

I believe reaching the semis gets her Rio place. And there was some other criteria. Something to do with the winner in Turkey lasy month medaling at the WCs?

Joe_ Public · 18-05-2016 1:37pm

Yeah the top four are definitely in. Obviously if Alekseevna, or other already qualified boxers, make it to the semis, those places then pass down. I'm not certain how that works, but I think it may be that once Alekseevna makes the semis, Taylor is in, by virtue of being beaten by her in the Euro qualifiers, and regardless of how Taylor fares in Astana. So it's a two chances kinda thing.

I'm open to correction on that, but it's my assumption anyway.

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 11:44am

Ceire Smith beaten by Ingrit Valencia. Won the first round but lost remaining three. Not the best start in one of the Olympic categories, but did look a tough draw for her in fairness.

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 2:07pm

The Walsh thing remains a mystery it seems. Was hoping there'd be a mention in one of the previews but nobody seems to have raised the question. Seems there'll be a Walsh v Moylette box-off too but no confirmed date yet when it will happen.

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 2:26pm

I suppose their attitude is if nobody asks them they're not going to bother to tell. I thought some journalist might have been curious enough to ask, but the media only really cares about Katie Taylor. That's just the way it is.

Chivito550 · 19-05-2016 3:18pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Looking at the draw for the world champs, probably going to be Katie Taylor's best ever achievement if she takes gold here. First fight on Saturday will likely be against the Italian Irma Testa who's already qualified for Rio. Expect Taylor to win but it's a tough enough assignment for a last 32. Seeded to meet Alekseevna in the semi-final, I'm assuming she'll have her Olympic place secured by that point (open to correction on that) but of course she'll be desperate for revenge. Really looking forward to these championships.

Ceire Smith is out tomorrow against Colombian Ingrit Valencia. Don't know much about her other than that she's Olympic bound, having reached the finals of the American qualifier. Looks a tough opening bout for Smith.

The Italian lost to the Swede. That seems like a bit of an upset as the Italian pushed Alekseevna very close in the final of the qualification tournament last month.

walshb · 19-05-2016 3:33pm

I could be wrong on the Walsh thing but is she a "loose canon" in the eyes of the IABA?

walshb · 19-05-2016 3:40pm

Great to see we have almost full list of boxers for these championships. It's going to be very tough for all of them to get a Rio place.

walshb · 19-05-2016 3:59pm

pac_man wrote: »

Not sure where your getting that from, she was injured for the Europeans last month and I can only speculate that she might still be injured.

Not getting it from anywehere. Just wondering why no information on it.

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 4:03pm

pac_man wrote: »

Not sure where your getting that from, she was injured for the Europeans last month and I can only speculate that she might still be injured.

The injury might have set her back but she boxed for Antrim in an international against Greece last month so not sure it is still a factor. There could also have been a weight issue, but that wouldn't have ruled her out returning to 54kg. It's just a tough one to figure really,

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 4:38pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

The Italian lost to the Swede. That seems like a bit of an upset as the Italian pushed Alekseevna very close in the final of the qualification tournament last month.

It's hard to know. Testa was still fighting as a junior this time last year at a lower weight, so in fairness she's made a huge leap in a short space of time. The Swede, from what I read, was more highly rated as a junior, but don't think she gave Taylor too many problems when they met in Bray last year. I have a feeling Taylor was either below par or a little short of focus in Turkey and maybe Alekseevna was made to look better than she really is. Its only a suspicion though and time will tell the truth of it.

walshb · 19-05-2016 5:20pm

Taylor with more assertion and aggression wins her 6th title!

Joe_ Public · 19-05-2016 6:49pm

walshb wrote: »

Taylor with more assertion and aggression wins her 6th title!

It's some motivation to have anyway, I really hope she does it. Same with Mary Kom too, another phenomenal athlete, six would be a very hard target to reach given how competitive some of these divisions are becoming.

walshb · 21-05-2016 2:51pm

Taylor advances after unanimous points won vs. the Swede.

Joe_ Public · 21-05-2016 8:49pm

walshb wrote: »

Taylor advances after unanimous points won vs. the Swede.

One judge somehow gave the third round to the Swede which I thought was by far Taylor's best round!

Alekseevna looked quite impressive today too, a very clever fighter.

walshb · 21-05-2016 10:10pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

One judge somehow gave the third round to the Swede which I thought was by far Taylor's best round!

Alekseevna looked quite impressive today too, a very clever fighter.

Agreed. Taylor won well. The standard across the weights is very impressive. Watched a fair few scraps and was well impressed.

Joe_ Public · 22-05-2016 9:46am

walshb wrote: »

Agreed. Taylor won well. The standard across the weights is very impressive. Watched a fair few scraps and was well impressed.

Standards are improving very quickly now, think that's beyond doubt. Just watched Grainne Walsh in the 69kg against a Pole, lost the first round but won well in the end. They both just went at it from the bell, left nothing behind, really good fight to watch. Good to see somebody else carrying the flag over there.

walshb · 22-05-2016 10:17am

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Standards are improving very quickly now, think that's beyond doubt. Just watched Grainne Walsh in the 69kg against a Pole, lost the first round but won well in the end. They both just went at it from the bell, left nothing behind, really good fight to watch. Good to see somebody else carrying the flag over there.

I'll catch that later on the AIBA feed.

walshb · 23-05-2016 7:58am

Taylor due in the ring circa 1500 hrs Irish time today in the last 16. Argentine opponent.

Kellie Harrington due in the ring circa 1000 hrs today in the last 16 @ 64 kgs.

Joe_ Public · 23-05-2016 9:39am

That was very good from Kellie Harrington, one fight away from a medal now. Very impressed by that performance against a decent yardstick.

finbarrk · 23-05-2016 11:16am

Joe_ Public wrote: »

That was very good from Kellie Harrington, one fight away from a medal now. Very impressed by that performance against a decent yardstick.

Can she qualify for the Olympics?

Joe_ Public · 23-05-2016 11:25am

finbarrk wrote: »

Can she qualify for the Olympics?

Unfortunately no Olympic event in the 64kg category. There was talk of adding more women's divisions, but too much politics involved I think.

Joe_ Public · 23-05-2016 2:21pm

Very impressive against an admittedly weak but spirited opponent. I dont expect it's a major problem but her nose opened up again and she had problems with it in Turkey too. Anyway, onwards to the serious business now!

See the Chinese got beaten in the other ring, very surprised by that. Had her down as a lock to emerge from the other half.

Joe_ Public · 23-05-2016 2:39pm

pac_man wrote: »

She boxed alot better today than she did against that Swede. I watched Grainne Walsh yesterday and was seriously impressed for someone only boxing four years.

Agree. She seemed a lot looser and more relaxed today, think a few nerves may have inhibited her on Saturday which was understandable in the circumstances I think.

Walsh was excellent and Harrington did well this morning too. Get the feeling there's the real makings of a team there now, rather than just Katie Taylor and a few passengers. Add in Micheala Walsh if she gets back and Ciara Ginty if she continues to progress and the future looks pretty bright.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 9:44am

Annoyingly cant access the feed where i am, but Kellie Harrington has won first 2 rounds against the local Kazakh fighter. Hope she can keep it together now.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 9:50am

And she does! Great stuff from Harrington, didn't see the fight but on the basis of her previous performances, I'm not that surprised. Guaranteed at least bronze now but could get better. Hopefully just the start of a landmark day for Irish women's boxing.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 10:22am

No joy for Grainne Walsh, TKO round one apparently. Disappointing end, but a good tournament overall, she'll have learned a lot.

Dodge · 24-05-2016 10:28am

Joe_ Public wrote: »

And she does! Great stuff from Harrington, didn't see the fight but on the basis of her previous performances, I'm not that surprised. Guaranteed at least bronze now but could get better. Hopefully just the start of a landmark day for Irish women's boxing.

To win every round against a girl from Kazakhstan in Astana is pretty impressive. She'll fight the girl from China who beat Sandy Ryan from England in the other QF.

List of Irish women who've won medals at the World championships
1) Katie Taylor (06, 08, 10, 12, 14, ??)
2) Kellie Harrington (16)

spurious · 24-05-2016 11:05am

Joe_ Public wrote: »

And she does! Great stuff from Harrington, didn't see the fight but on the basis of her previous performances, I'm not that surprised. Guaranteed at least bronze now but could get better. Hopefully just the start of a landmark day for Irish women's boxing.

Delighted for her. I knew her when she started off and she was so dedicated to her boxing. Great that it's paying off for her.

walshb · 24-05-2016 12:32pm

Taylor due in the ring at about 1530 hrs Irish time.

236 Quarterfinals Women's Light (60kg) RED TAYLOR Kati
e IRL
BLUE TORRES Victoria MEX

Dodge · 24-05-2016 1:00pm

She's due in at 2.30 our time. Session starts at 2 and she's fight 3 in Ring A. Hopefully the stream is back up

Dodge · 24-05-2016 1:10pm

Taylor's fight is on RTE one and on the RTE player. They're just showing harrington's win now

http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/live/8/

Morrison J · 24-05-2016 1:30pm

Comfortably winning but it's a decent scrap she's in all the same.

paulie21 · 24-05-2016 1:30pm

Katie up with all 3 judges after round 3

paulie21 · 24-05-2016 1:35pm

Comfortable win and qualified for Olympics

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 1:42pm

That was superb to watch. Torres was tough as boots, but Taylor beat her for class and skill and was stronger when they went toe to toe too. Gonna be sore tomorrow that's for sure.

Dodge · 24-05-2016 1:50pm

Katie will face Estelle Mossely who's just beaten Allekseevna

walshb · 24-05-2016 1:51pm

Dodge wrote: »

Katie will face Estelle Mossely who's just beaten Allekseevna

Katie has had a few wins over the French girl. She's quality. Bit of a bummer that Katie doesn't get to avenge her loss to Allekseevna. Main thing is that she is now Rio bound!

walshb · 24-05-2016 1:52pm

I poxy well missed it. Calculated the times wrong. Astana 5 hrs ahead. 1900 - 5 hours is 1400 hrs. I had 1500 hrs in my head for the session start!

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 2:04pm

walshb wrote: »

Katie has had a few wins over the French girl. She's quality. Bit of a bummer that Katie doesn't get to avenge her loss to Allekseevna. Main thing is that she is now Rio bound!

Thought that was poor from Alekseevna, however frustrating Mossely is to fight, and thought she was poor in her last fight too. Actually the more I see of her, the more convinced I am that Taylor just wasn't herself in Turkey for whatever reason. Definitely a pity we don't get the rematch because I have no doubt Taylor would have won it easily.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 2:06pm

walshb wrote: »

I poxy well missed it. Calculated the times wrong. Astana 5 hrs ahead. 1900 - 5 hours is 1400 hrs. I had 1500 hrs in my head for the session start!

Did something very similar the first day, had 1600 in my head. I took 1900 as 9 for some reason, subtracted 5 and got 4. Doh!

walshb · 24-05-2016 3:47pm

I got to see the fight. Taylor for me is a level below her best. Seems to be a little sluggish and a step slower. Still very good, juts something missing as regards spark. And, her punches seem to lack any weight and force.

Strazdas · 24-05-2016 6:03pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Thought that was poor from Alekseevna, however frustrating Mossely is to fight, and thought she was poor in her last fight too. Actually the more I see of her, the more convinced I am that Taylor just wasn't herself in Turkey for whatever reason. Definitely a pity we don't get the rematch because I have no doubt Taylor would have won it easily.

I thought too that that fight in Turkey may have been unfairly marked. It was very close and not as clearcut as the judges had it.

Strazdas · 24-05-2016 6:08pm

walshb wrote: »

I got to see the fight. Taylor for me is a level below her best. Seems to be a little sluggish and a step slower. Still very good, juts something missing as regards spark. And, her punches seem to lack any weight and force.

I guess a lot of this will be answered in the fight against Mossely, as she clearly is an excellent fighter. If Taylor was to impress there, you might have to reassess things as she can only beat what's put in front of her and she's fighting the best boxers in the world at this tournament.

walshb · 24-05-2016 6:53pm

Strazdas wrote: »

I guess a lot of this will be answered in the fight against Mossely, as she clearly is an excellent fighter. If Taylor was to impress there, you might have to reassess things as she can only beat what's put in front of her and she's fighting the best boxers in the world at this tournament.

I fully agree. Outside the ring can be very misleading. Been watching her years now. When I say a she seems a step slower and a bit past it I mean it only slightly. The opposition is class, and has been class for several years now. She's the best, but barely. That is testament to the depth of competition.

walshb · 24-05-2016 6:55pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Thought that was poor from Alekseevna, however frustrating Mossely is to fight, and thought she was poor in her last fight too. Actually the more I see of her, the more convinced I am that Taylor just wasn't herself in Turkey for whatever reason. Definitely a pity we don't get the rematch because I have no doubt Taylor would have won it easily.

Can't see how you'd think she'd win easily.They have had 3 competitive fights to date

Strazdas · 24-05-2016 8:30pm

walshb wrote: »

I fully agree. Outside the ring can be very misleading. Been watching her years now. When I say a she seems a step slower and a bit past it I mean it only slightly. The opposition is class, and has been class for several years now. She's the best, but barely. That is testament to the depth of competition.

There could also be a touch of her opposition catching up on Katie and making it look like she's slowing down and not as sharp as she was. Certainly the standard of boxer she's facing here is no different to what she'll come up against in Rio, so this week should prove a good form guide for the Olympics. If she was to win this tournament, then obviously it would show she is in very good shape indeed.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 10:17pm

Strazdas wrote: »

I thought too that that fight in Turkey may have been unfairly marked. It was very close and not as clearcut as the judges had it.

To be honest I never had any problem with the judging, I felt Taylor hadn't done enough to win, just think she was under par that week and, although I'm sure she'd emphatically deny this, maybe even just a touch complacent.

Joe_ Public · 24-05-2016 10:24pm

walshb wrote: »

Can't see how you'd think she'd win easily.They have had 3 competitive fights to date

Academic now really but I remain confident that she'd win comfortably and, all things being equal, the same will apply in Rio. I watched all their fights these past few days, Taylor is clearly focussed and boxing well, Alekseevna looked sluggish in all her contests, not just today. On that basis, Taylor would have smoked her, I'm certain of that, and I bet Alekseevna is happy enough no rematch will ensue.

Admittedly I'm finding it hard to size Alekseevna up. She's obviously talented, but maybe too one-dimensional. When she fell behind today, didn't seem like she'd any idea on how to claw her way back, no Plan B, just think she didn't have it this week for some reason I can't quite figure out.

Strazdas · 24-05-2016 10:38pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Academic now really but I remain confident that she'd win comfortably and, all things being equal, the same will apply in Rio. I watched all their fights these past few days, Taylor is clearly focussed and boxing well, Alekseevna looked sluggish in all her contests, not just today. On that basis, Taylor would have smoked her, I'm certain of that, and I bet Alekseevna is happy enough no rematch will ensue.

Admittedly I'm finding it hard to size Alekseevna up. She's obviously talented, but maybe too one-dimensional. When she fell behind today, didn't seem like she'd any idea on how to claw her way back, no Plan B, just think she didn't have it this week for some reason I can't quite figure out.

In the final of the Olympic qualifiers in Turkey, Alekseevna made very heavy going of her fight against the teenage Italian Testa (a boxer who lost in the first round of this World Championship). I don't buy the theory that she wasn't focussed on this tournament and had her eyes on Rio....coming away from the World Championships without a medal and off the back of a hammering seems a lousy way of preparing for the Olympics and is surely a big dent in her confidence.

2016 Women's World Championships

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