Carly McNaul guaranteed boxing medal after quarter-final win

Carly McNaul secured Team NI’s first medal in the ring as the Belfast boxer dominated her last-eight clash with Sri Lanka’s Keshani Hansika to guarantee at least a bronze.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

McNaul, a silver medallist four years in the Gold Coast, wants to go one better this time in Birmingham and will be full of confidence after outclassing her opponent 5-0 in the quarter-finals.

“I’m buzzing obviously, I’m here to win the gold medal not just a bronze medal,” said McNaul.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I was so happy with that performance it was much better that the last one.

Belfast boxer Carly McNaul is guaranteed a medal following her win over Sri Lanka’s Keshani HansikaBelfast boxer Carly McNaul is guaranteed a medal following her win over Sri Lanka’s Keshani Hansika
Belfast boxer Carly McNaul is guaranteed a medal following her win over Sri Lanka’s Keshani Hansika

“The last time I said I was scrappy and I would put on a better performance and I did that.

“The first fight was a much higher pace and I just couldn’t get any of my shots off clean, the plan was hit and just make it scrappy, it worked well and thankfully I came through it.

“In that performance I was able to get my clean shots off and do a bit of boxing and show people that I have a bit of skill, and I was able to do stuff that I was working on throughout the training camp and I am very happy with that.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McNaul will face Uganda’s Teddy Nakimuli, who has yet to fight in Birmingham after getting a walkover into the semi-finals, for a shot at the gold medal and the Belfast fighter is hoping that being battle hardened will help her against the African.

“Normally I get better as the fights go on," said McNaul

"I have two fights behind me and she doesn’t have any, I’m just looking forward to going out and putting on a good performance.

“To win a gold medal would mean everything to me.

"I’m doing this for my son Jaden, he gives me the drive to keep going and he is coming out here to support me on Thursday and my family is coming as well.”