Dominant Parker assured historic boxing medal

Caitlin Parker is guaranteed Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing after dominating her quarter-final against Moroccan Khadija Mardi.

The 75kg chance was the clear victor despite a 4-1 split decision in Paris on Sunday.

There are no bronze medal fights at the Olympics, meaning Parker will leave with a medal even if she loses her semi-final, against China’s Li Qian on Thursday at Roland Garros.

Only six Australians have won Olympic boxing medals, Harry Garside’s in Tokyo three years ago snapping a 33-year drought.

None of them have been gold, but Australia now has two live chances after Charlie Senior (57kg) stormed into the semi-finals on Saturday.

Three judges handed all three rounds to Australian boxing captain Parker, who set the tone with a fierce overhand right that connected in the first round.

The Tokyo Olympian followed that up with a left hook and two left jabs in the second round to leave his opponent needing a final-round stoppage to steal the win that never looked likely.

Women’s boxing has only been part of the Olympic program since 2012, Parker the first Australian woman to compete at two Games.