Broadhurst and O'Rourke into World finals in Turkey

Amy Broadhurst secured a hard-fought victory over India fighter Parveen to progress to the final of the light welterweight (60-63kg) division at the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

The Dundalk fighter impressed in the opening round but then was truly tested throughout the latter verses before securing a 4:1 split decision.

Broadhurst will now progress to the final in a bid to follow in the footsteps of Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington in claiming a world gold medal.

Boxing out of the red corner, Broadhurst naturally gravitated to the middle of the ring, going straight on the attack against a cagey opponent, looking to score off her long reach, and boxing on the outside.

Using the opening minute to find her range, Broadhhurst's fast hands and quick feet put immediate pressure on her opponent, while Parveen, to her credit stood tall, and looked to hit back on occasion.

But the India fighter took a big left on the chin that came straight through her guard as Broadhurst finished the round in style to take it across all five judges' scorecards.

Remianing on her feet for the break, Broacdhurst was back on the attack, looking to bring that early momentum into the second stanza, and Parveen was backed up onto the ropes early, now fighting on the back foot by necessity rather than choice.

But it was a scrappier affair compared to the first, and it appeared that it was Broadhurst producing the more impressive range of shots to catch the judges' eye, while Parveen was thrice told to keep her head up.

A good flurry of punches in the final seconds from Parveen was enough to sway three judges to award her the round with two giving it to Broadhurst.

Into round three, and Broadhurst now had to regain a bit of composure to