ĆIRKOVIĆ ADVANCES TO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTERFINALS

SOFIA, SEPTEMBER 20 /SRNA/ – Serbian national team boxer and member of the Obilić Boxing Club Sara Ćirković advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship in Sofia after convincingly defeating Ukrainian champion Inna Statkevych in the round of 16.

Ćirković won by unanimous decision, 5-0, and will face Turkiye's Buse Naz Cakıroglu in the quarterfinals on September 23. A victory in that bout would secure her a place in the semifinals, guarantee a medal and bring an additional 300 ranking points, the Obilić Boxing Club said. "Sara opened the tournament with a composed performance and took an important step toward another European medal. By reaching the last eight, she secured 150 ranking points. Points earned previously at the tournament in Brazil gave her seeded status in Sofia, where she matched that total after her opening win," the club said in a statement. After the bout, Ćirković said the first appearance at any tournament was always particularly demanding, adding that her opponent had been strong but that she was satisfied with her performance. "The high pace and intensity of the fight are excellent preparation for the next bout," Ćirković said. The club said it was proud of Ćirković's performance and the way she was representing Serbia and Obilić. "A demanding bout lies ahead, but we believe in her quality, preparation and determination. Thank you to everyone supporting her," the Obilić Boxing Club said.