BOXING: Australia’s Kristy Harris has made a strong start in her quest to earn selection for this year’s Rio Olympics, beating Sri Lanka’s Anusha Koddithuwakku in the first round of the Women’s Boxing World Championships in Kazakhstan.

23-year-old Harris must finish top four in the 51kg division, one of only three weight divisions open to women at the Olympics, if she is to earn a place in Rio.

Harris opened with a flurry against her Sri Lankan opponent, and was rewarded with strong scoring from the judges. The Victorian eventually won all four rounds to earn a unanimous decision and move into the second round.

Her next challenge will be Russian second seed, Elena Saveleva, on Saturday night.

Western Australia’s Caitlin Parker in the 75kg division is Australia’s other Olympic hopeful, and will take on local hope and eighth seed, Violleta Knyazeva, on Friday night.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Shelley Watts, has already qualified for Rio after making the final of the women’s 60kg division at the Asian and Oceania qualifiers in China earlier this year.

Ross Solly
Boxing Australia