Lightweight preview: Ireland to continue impressive medal tally
- Joe Hewlett
- 21 July 2021
Harrington is looking to replicate Katie Taylor's 2012 success...
Top seed: Kelly Harrington
Set to carry the Irish flag at the opening ceremony in Tokyo, there are big expectations for Harrington, especially when you look at Ireland's history with boxing.
Of 31 medals claimed at the Olympics, 16 of them have been in this sport. Katie Taylor won the lightweight category in 2012.
Speaking on her selection, Harrington said: "This means so much to me, to be able to represent not only myself as a person, but as a boxer, for boxing, for my family and for Ireland.
"It's an amazing honour, there are so many athletes out here, and to be chosen as one of the flag-bearers is absolutely fantastic. I can't believe it really. Walking out there and realising I'm the flag-bearer, it's the start of the Olympic Games, and I'm at the pinnacle of our sport."
Harrington defeated Caroline Dubois in their European Olympic Qualification final via split decision earlier this year and is expected be on the podium in Japan.
Most talked about: Caroline Dubois
At just 20 years of age, Caroline Dubois is a potential superstar of women's boxing.
Having won the 2018 Youth Olympics, Dubois has gone on to qualify for Tokyo and beat some big names in the process, including Mira Potkonen.
Fighting runs in the Dubois household with older brother Daniel Dubois, 23, flying the flag as a heavyweight in the professional scene.
There is no pressure on Dubois to win a medal in this competition but she has the ability and maturity to deliver on the biggest stage.
One to watch: Beatriz Ferreira
The Brazilian won the 2019 World Championships at lightweight and was named Brazil's Best Female Athlete in the same year.
Ferreira has won 35 of her 40 bouts, including gold medals at the 2019 Pan American Games and 2018 South American Games.
Her father, Raimundo Ferreira, won two domestic titles in Brazil at professional level and is the reason why she decided to lace a pair of gloves.
"My father showed me the passion for the noble art. He was the one who gave me my love for boxing. I wanted to be like him."
