Rock The Boat – Kaci proved class in Broadhurst battle

Kaci Rock has proved a lot of people even her own coach wrong with her performance in the National Stadium on Saturday last.

The Wicklow fighter opened the defence of her 66kg National Elite title against none other than World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Amy Broadhurst.

The daughter of four-weight Irish professional champion Jim ‘The Pink Panther’ Rock came out the wrong side of a split decision but put in a performance note against one of the best amateurs on the planet.

It was a display her Coach Paul O’Toole was extremely proud of and a performance that caught him by surprise.

O’Toole admits he feared a little for the young emerging talent against one of the female fighters on the planet amateur or pro and was pleasantly surprised with how she competed.

“It was a brilliant weekend for Kaci, even though she was beaten. She was only beaten on a split decision by Amy Broadhurst, the world champion,” said Paul O’Toole when speaking to the Wicklow Independent.

“I was delighted we got the three rounds with her, but it was a split decision. The first round was so close, the second round we lost, but the third round we absolutely annihilated her.”

“Kaci was a big underdog going into that fight. I am going to be honest with you, I was fighting for her. Amy Broadhurst, come on. She was not up at that level but by God she is up at that level now. She proved me wrong. That girl has proved me wrong, and she has proven a lot of other people wrong.”

Broadhurst, who moved up to 66kgs to make an Olympic push, faces another fighter with international experience, in Grainne Walsh at the final.