SINEAD KAVANAGH believes Kellie Harrington's Olympic gold can be an inspiration to her win an MMA World title.
After failing to make it to London 2012, Kavanagh changed codes and the pair became boxing friends.
Harrington kept the course, but she was forced to see Rio 2016 pass by her before taking the podium at the Covid-delayed Tokyo 2020.
That was a moment that Kavanagh, who is now a News Ireland Podcast The Rocky Road host, will never forget.
The former middleweight boxer stated that it was very emotional.
"I was singing, dancing, crying -- I didn’t know where it was. She was so sweet. Kellie has been my friend since the beginning of boxing. We're 14-15 years old. It's been a long time.
In 2001, Katie Taylor defeated Alanna Murphy at The National Stadium to win the first amateur women's boxing match.
The first Women's World Championships were held in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the year before.
BETTING SPECIAL - GET EUR50 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTSSix years later, the first Irish senior women’s international took places in Dungarvan (Waterford).
On March 2, 2007, Ireland defeated England 6-2.
On the night, the Irish winners were Christina McMahon (Harrington), Taylor, Marsha Halpin and Murphy.
Kavanagh said that it was a memorable night. It was the first international women's soccer tournament for Ireland. It was an amazing experience for us all to go down to Dungarvan. Finally, we were given the chance to prove our worth.
"We showed up, and we did damage that day. It was wonderful to be with all the girls. Jonas was my opponent. She may have had some medals, I believe. She was defeated by me."
Harrington was a national treasure during her summer, and Kavanagh made fun of what she really looks like.
A GOOD SOUL
Former boxer said, "She's mad bitch. Kellie is my absolute favorite. She is a lover of a few ballads as well as a lot of mess.
"When it comes to the crunch, clearly she's serious. She's a great person and we've sparred many times. She is a joy to be with.
"I am so happy that Kellie did it. I went to the Olympic qualifiers 2012, and although I didn't qualify, I was still f***ing up with the best.
"Kellie kept going, and I'm so glad that she did.
Kavanagh was a national Elite boxing champion before he started MMA.
She says that the ultimate goal was to make it to the Olympics.
WORLD CHAMPION GOAL
Kavanagh stated that he just wanted to win at the game. My goal was to be the world champion. Although I still haven't achieved that goal, I am certain it is on its way.
"At this point in my life, it's all about getting paid. Although I don't have the big bucks yet, it's something I hope to achieve.
"I have put a lot into this sport. It's a passion that I have put all my life into, so it is only fair that I get some desserts. Kellie is just like that!
"If Kellie can do it, I can do it. I can definitely be a world champion.
She was an inner city girl who went to FAS. It's what she dreams of doing. It spreads to young children where she lives.
"Yeah, if Kellie can do it, I can do it. After I have a positive vibe about me and my head.
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Cris Cyborg, Bellator featherweight champion, is the target.
Kavanagh has been calling out the Brazilian American, having won her two previous bouts. The Inchicore woman is training at John Kavanagh’s Straight Blast Gym.
She said, "I train hard and graft away." I am waiting for a big fight so I'm getting as many rounds in as possible and being ready for the next round.
