Viktoriia Kuleshova was the first to advance as she progressed in the 54 kilogram competition, courtesy of a win over Ukrainian Snizhana Kholodkova.

Similarly to the majority of bouts today, the fight went the distance but it was Kuleshova who claimed the victory following a split decision verdict.

Saadat Abdulaeva then joined her compatriot in progressing as she reached the next round of a heavier weight division.

Standing between the Russian and a place in the next round of the 69kg event was Irish boxer Grainne Walsh.

Walsh recorded an impressive stoppage to clinch victory in her middleweight clash with Marija Petkovic of Serbia earlier this week but she had no such luck today after Abdulaeva claimed a split decision win.

Two judges awarded victory to the Russian while the third saw it as a draw.

Another Irish competitor fell victim to a Russian as Natalya Samokhina overcame Moira Elligot in the 57kg competition.

Samokhina won in comfortable fashion as she secured a unanimous verdict from the judges.

Irish and Russian boxers met on three occasions today and the only competitor to get the better of their Russian opponent was Christine Desmond.

Desmond was in scintillating form at 75kg as she ousted Oksana Trofimova by a unanimous judges' decision.

There was also delight for the Bulgarian crowd today as two home boxers progressed.

Denitsa Eliseeva got the verdict against Valeriia Yeroshenko in 57kg action while Stanimira Petrova completed an impressive day for the hosts as she secured a unanimous decision win over Romanian Lacramioara Perijoc in the 54kg division.

Action pauses tomorrow as a rest day is scheduled.