Dominant Daina Moorehouse Into World Cup Last 16 After Opening Brazilian Bout

Enniskerry Boxing Club's Daina Moorehouse continues to carry the flame of pioneering Katie Taylor in amateur boxing with a commanding opening win at the World Cup in Brazil

Wicklow boxer Daina Moorehouse has made a powerful statement on the international stage, securing a commanding opening victory at the World Boxing Cup in Brazil and advancing to the Last 16 in the 51kg division.

Competing in Foz do Iguaçu, Moorehouse produced a composed and clinical performance against New Zealand’s Ashley Belk, sweeping the bout on all five judges’ scorecards with a clear 5-0 decision.

The scoring reflected her control throughout: 27:30, 27:30, 26:30, 27:30, 27:30.

The win places the Wicklow athlete just one step away from a quarter-final berth, with a high-stakes clash against Poland’s Natalia Kuczewska set for Thursday.

The bout formed part of Team Ireland’s strong second day at the World Boxing Cup Brazil, which saw two Irish victories overall, but Moorehouse’s performance stood out for its authority and technical discipline.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Moorehouse admitted the opening fight was far from straightforward as she settled into competition rhythm at the elite international event.

Speaking to Boxing Ireland Brazil correspondent Grainne Walsh after the bout, she said:

“I feel good; happy to get the first one out of the way. The first one is always the toughest. From here now I’ll just keep building on top of it and hopefully get better each time.”

Moorehouse also highlighted the tactical adjustment required against her New Zealand opponent, noting an unexpected challenge in range management.

“Yeah, I actually think it’s harder because I’m used to punching so high. My punches were actually going over her head. I think I’d rather box taller people!”

The Wicklow fighter’s adaptability will now be tested again as she prepares for a step up in competition against Kuczewska, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.

For Moorehouse, the opening win not only keeps her medal hopes alive in Brazil, but also reinforces her growing reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising competitors on the international boxing circuit.

Daina Moorehouse - via (Boxing Ireland)