Daina Moorehouse Eyes Redemption Against Fuentes Fernandez In European Quarters

Wicklow boxer takes on Spanish opponent with history of head-to-head battles

Wicklow's Daina Moorehouse will compete in the quarter-finals of the European Elite Boxing Championships in Bulgaria this afternoon, (Bulgarian time) with a chance to avenge a defeat that has been playing on her mind.

The Enniskerry B.C. boxer progressed to the 51-kilogram quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bulgaria's Zlatislava Chukanova on Saturday.

The judges' scorecards were tight – 29:28; 29:28; 27:30; 28:29; 29:28 – reflecting a competitive bout that Moorehouse had to work for.

Her reward is a clash with Spain's Laura Fuentes Fernandez, a World and European Games bronze medalist. But for Moorehouse, this is more than just another quarter-final.

Unfinished Business

The pair have met twice before, and the ledger is split.

Moorehouse claimed victory at the 2nd Olympic Qualifier in Bangkok in the race for quota places.

However, at last year's World Boxing Championships, Fuentes Fernandez got the better of her – a dreaded split decision that proved controversial.

"It was a really tough fight. The first one always is," Moorehouse reflected after her win over Chukanova on Saturday, speaking to Boxing Ireland, adding "She was game today."

The Wicklow fighter praised her own tactical awareness in the bout, noting how she adapted as the fight progressed. "It was getting messy; it was getting tangly, but I knew I was up on two. The third round I knew she was going to fly, because she was two rounds down. I expected it, but it was really messy."

Having previously faced Chukanova in Olympic qualifying, Moorehouse stressed the value of having faced her opponent before. "When I knew I was fighting the Bulgarian – I boxed her to qualify for the Olympic Games – so I suppose it was nice, knowing what she was like and having a game plan."

That same game-plan approach will be crucial against Fuentes Fernandez.

For Moorehouse, today offers the chance to settle the score and move one step closer to a potential medal.

QUARTER FINALIST! Paris Olympian Daina Moorehouse has won through to the European Elite Championships (Instagram Boxing Ireland)