For the first time in Irish boxing history, the National Elite Competition will be contested under World Boxing weight categories, with Belfast set to host the landmark event starting this Monday, June 2nd and running until Thursday, June 5th.
This year’s edition of the IABA’s flagship tournament marks a significant shift, as it moves away from the International Boxing Association (IBA) format in favour of the weight classes now recognised by World Boxing.
The change follows a decision made by IABA member clubs at a special EGM in April and aligns Ireland with the global boxing community ahead of the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool this September.
The championships will feature a stellar line-up of Irish boxing talent, including Paris 2024 Olympians Daina Moorehouse (50kg), Jennifer Lehane (54kg), Michaela Walsh (57kg), Grainne Walsh (65kg), Aoife O’Rourke (75kg), Dean Clancy (65kg) and heavyweight Jack Marley.
Also set to compete are 2025 World silver medallist Lisa O’Rourke and a host of 2024 European U23 medal winners, including Robin Kelly, Louis Rooney, Patsy Joyce, Clepson dos Santos and Martin McDonagh.
The competition will act as a key selection event for Team Ireland ahead of the upcoming World Championships and is being staged through a collaboration between the IABA Central Council, High Performance Unit, Ulster Provincial Council, Antrim County Board and Belfast City Council.
“This is a historic opportunity,” said IABA President Anto Donnelly. “Responding to the decision by our clubs, and acknowledging World Boxing’s use of different weight classes, we are proud to host a competition that allows Irish boxers to prepare for major international events under the same framework.”
Ulster Provincial Council President Kevin Duffy hailed the decision to bring the Elites to Belfast for the first time. “This is a momentous occasion for Irish sport and a proud moment for Belfast, a city with a deep and celebrated boxing heritage. We are thrilled to welcome Ireland’s top amateur boxers to our city and look forward to an unforgettable event.”
Antrim Boxing Board President Paddy Barnes Snr added: “This competition will be monumental—not just because of the new weight classes, but because it’s the first time such an elite national event is coming to Belfast. With over half of Ireland’s Olympic boxing medals coming from this city, the history speaks for itself.”
The buzz is already building in Belfast. Two-time Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes said: “To win an Irish Elite title is every young boxer’s dream. The standard at this event will be incredible. There’s a real excitement in the city.”
Double Olympian Brendan Irvine echoed that sentiment: “You’ve so many future stars in the mix, alongside Olympians and World medallists. With the World Championships coming up, every bout will matter.”
Boxers from 16 counties across Ireland will take part over the four days with action being live streamed throughout on the IABA YouTube channel.
Admission is free to the opening session on Monday with tickets available for the other sessions from £10 for adults and £5 for U16’s
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This will be the first elite Championships since new High Performance Director Jon Mackey switched to Boxing and also since Gary Stewart was named as the new CEO, taking over on July 7th.
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26 bouts will be held from 2 pm on the opening day of the Championships on Monday, June 2nd.
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