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Olympics - Boxing: Regardless of how they fare in Friday's semi-finals, Paddy Barnes and Kenny Egan will have Olympic medals to declare when they return home from China after two more outstanding performances at the Workers' Gymnasium. The hue of the medals will be determined over the weekend, but the duo have already secured the first Irish Olympic honours since Sonia O'Sullivan's 5,000 metres silver eight years ago.

Belfast light flyweight Barnes was first in action today. Facing Lukasck Maszczyk, the diminutive fighter's busy style saw him wear down the Pole to claim an emphatic 11-5 points success. The win guarantees Barnes at least a bronze with home favourite Zou Shiming now standing between him and a place in Sunday's Olympic final.