Jon Mackey has been officially appointed as the new National High Performance Director for Irish Boxing, stepping into a pivotal role at a crucial time for the sport.

We had the news story yesterday and then joined him from the Sport Ireland Campus yesterday to learn more about his move and his high hopes for the next Olympic cycle and beyond.

Mackey, who transitions from a successful eight-year tenure in canoeing, brings with him not only experience in high-performance management but also a deeply rooted background in combat sports.

“I grew up in combat sport—kickboxing, to be specific,” Mackey said. “So while the environment in boxing is different, it’s not alien to me. I’ve spent nearly 30 years operating at an international level in kickboxing.”

His familiarity with boxing isn’t just theoretical. As a child, he walked into Arbor Hill Boxing Club at age nine and later trained at Phibsborough and Broadstone Boxing Clubs. That deep connection gives him a sense of belonging in his new position. “Walking into the boxing gym here—there’s a smell, a feel—it throws you back. It feels like coming full circle.”

But he is under no illusions about the size and complexity of the role.

“This is a behemoth of a programme,” he acknowledged. “We’ve got around 60 boxers across three tiers, every weight category is contested, and there are over 360 clubs in the country. It’s massive. It’s complex. But I’m ready for the step up.”

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the focus is already on building a collaborative vision.

“We’ll be pulling together as a team over the coming weeks for an offsite session, where we’ll begin to formulate a shared vision—what we want to achieve and how we’re going to get there.”

Mackey’s philosophy centres around people and relationships. “Regardless of the sport, we’re dealing with people. The next few weeks are going to be about building those relationships, listening, and establishing a culture where everyone is aligned and accountable.”

While he’s not one to seek the spotlight, Mackey recognises the visibility that comes with the job. “I’m not a fan of the limelight, but I understand it’s part of the role—especially with a sport as high-profile as boxing.”

The new High Performance Director has already been in close contact with past leaders in the role, including Tricia Heberle, Bernard Dunne, and Billy Walsh. “Tricia’s been incredibly helpful. Bernard welcomed me into his home and shared his perspective. Billy even sent a message of support, which I really appreciated. It’s important to pay respect to those who’ve shaped this programme.”

Despite Irish boxing’s recent complexities, Mackey is optimistic about its future.

“I think the future is bright. The recent decisions made at governance level have brought clarity, and that gives us a strong foundation to move forward. With the right support and engagement from stakeholders and the boxing community, I believe we can achieve something special.”

As the countdown to Los Angeles begins, Irish boxing enters a new chapter — one that Jon Mackey hopes will be defined by unity, ambition, and success on the international stage.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Irish Boxing Steps Closer to Olympic Participation

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Jon Mackey is stepping into some big shoes with Gary Keegan, Billy Walsh, Bernard Dunne and Tricia Heberle having held the role over the past decade and a half.  As he says it is almost a full circle for him to return after first picking up gloves when he was nine.  We wish him and the sport the best of the luck.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The National Boys and Girls Championships take place at the National Stafium in Dublin from Monday 21st April

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