Paris Olympics 2024: Caitlin Parker wins women's 75kg quarter-final ...
Caitlin Parker has guaranteed herself a medal in the women's 75kg boxing after a shock win over world championship winner Khadija Mardi.
Parker controlled proceedings from the outset to seal a 4-1 win over three rounds.
She sent the Moroccan boxer home, who only a year ago won the super heavyweight gold at the world championships in New Delhi, India.
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The 33-year-old was outclassed by her younger, Perth-born opponent.
The 28-year-old jumped for joy as she celebrated, knowing full well that she will win a medal regardless of what plays out in the semi-final - an historic first for Australia in women's boxing.
Australia's Caitlin Parker hits Morocco's Khadija Mardi in their women's 75kg quarter-final boxing match. Ariana Cubillos via AP
Boxing is unique in that the losers of the semi-final do not fight for third. Instead, two bronze medals are handed out while the semi-final winners fight for gold.
Speaking with Nine after the fight, Parker hailed the win "friggin' amazing".
"I'm so stoked," said Parker.
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"I tried to go to the Rio Olympics. I was young, didn't quite make it. I went to Tokyo, achieved my childhood dream going to my first Olympics. Getting out in the first round there, I was absolutely shattered.
"Now I know I can show the world, show Australia what I'm capable of and do it all for my family, friends and supporters back home.
"I've had so much support this time around, it's been incredible. I feel like it's really lifted me up, especially fighting in front of such a big, amazing crowd."
Australia's Caitlin Parker celebrates after defeating Morocco's Khadija Mardi in their women's 75kg quarter-final boxing match. John Locher via AP
Riding the wave of her win, Parker's post-fight interview was equal parts insightful and comical.
Parker said despite having never faced Majid in 15 years of boxing - the two of them fight in different weight divisions outside of Olympic competition, with Majid stepping down from super heavyweight for the Games - that she knew she was capable of winning.
"I've never come across her before," she explained.
"This time around, I was like, 'Okay, I'm just going to fight my fight, do my best'.
"But I can do everything," she laughed.
"I could box out long and be in the mix and be aggressive. I know I have the power. It was really great to show all of it."
Parker will fight Chinese boxer Li Qian in their semi-final on Friday at Roland-Garros.
"Right now I'm going to hug my family and friends," said Parker.
"After that, straight back to my next opponent, China. I will put everything out there.
"Literally every final for me is the Olympic gold medal round. I will leave everything in the ring. I'm going to war. Let's go!"
