Belfast to host elite competition with eye on boxing world championships
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) is hosting an elite competition in Belfast for the first time, which takes place next month with focus on the upcoming World Boxing world championships in Liverpool in September.
The IABA recently joined the Olympics-approved boxing body and will use the 2025 National Elite Competition to help select the squad for the short hop across the Irish Sea.
As a result, the Belfast competition will take place under World Boxing regulations.
A statement from the IABA read: "The competition is being held at World Boxing weights and will be a factor in selecting the Team Ireland team to contest the World Boxing World Championships in Liverpool, September 4th to 14th.
"It is a collaboration between Central Council and the High Performance Unit, with the invaluable support of Ulster Provincial Council, Antrim County Board and Belfast City Council."
A host of Olympians are set to take centre stage at the Belfast venue, including Paris Games participants Daina Moorehouse, Jenny Lehane, Michaela Walsh, Grainne Walsh, and Aoife O'Rourke in the women's category.
Olympians Dean Clancy and Jack Marley are among the competitors in the men's competition.
The boxing will take place from 2-5 June at the Girdwood Community Hub, which has a capacity of 800.
"We are thrilled to welcome this Elite Competition to Belfast for the first time in history, a truly momentous occasion for Belfast and for Irish sport," said Ulster Boxing Council president, Kevin Duffy.
"This prestigious event marks a significant milestone, celebrating the strength, talent, and dedication of Ireland's finest amateur boxers on a stage that reflects the passion and pride of Belfast's boxing heritage.
"As a city long known for producing champions and fostering a deep love for the sport, it is an honour to host such a historic championship."
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