Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 National Elite Competition. Staging of this competition was affirmed by Central Council at it’s April meeting.
Speaking following that meeting, IABA President, Anto Donnelly, said “Responding to the historic decision by clubs at the EGM on April 12th, and acknowledging that World Boxing utilizes different weights in Elite competition, Central Council and the High Performance Unit have created this opportunity for boxers to compete at these weights at national level. Boxers and clubs were pre-advised of the potential for this competition some weeks ago, and I’m delighted to confirm today that Central Council has voted that this competition will go ahead. I want to thank Central Council members for their vision in supporting this competition, and Kevin and Paddy for their hosting of it”
The Elite Competition 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.
Ulster President, Kevin Duffy said in April ” 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. 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. We extend a warm welcome to all athletes, coaches, and supporters, and look forward to witnessing an unforgettable showcase of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship. Thank you to Paddy Barnes, President of the Antrim Boxing Board and Liam Corr for helping to secure this event and we look forward to working in partnership with Central Council to ensure this truly is a memorable sporting occasion.”
Antrim President, Paddy Barnes Snr. ‘Today’s decision by central council to approve hosting the Irish elite competition in Belfast in June is a great day for boxing in Belfast. The first of its kind competition at the new world boxing weights will be a monumental event and one we are privileged to host in our great city. Belfast has a rich boxing history with over half of Irelands Olympic boxing medals (9) coming from Belfast, we hope to see the next batch of potential Olympic medalists on show. With support from the Belfast City Council and or Belfast Boxing Strategy, we can’t wait to host this historic event the first of its kind to come to the city and province in the history of the IABA.”
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.
Venue: Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, Antrim, BT14 6EG
Dates: June 1st to 6th, dependent upon entries
Entries: A non–refundable entry fee of €20 applies, including in the event of a boxer withdrawal. Online entry, via the Blocworx portal, is open until 5pm sharp, on Friday, May 23rd. All fees must be paid by 5pm on May 23rd. Only boxers for whom entries have been completed and entry fees have been received will be allowed to box.
This event is not an Elite Championships. This Elite Competition is taking place in consideration of selection for the World Boxing World Championships, taking September 4-14, 2025. Given the time available for preparation and selection of athletes to contest the World Boxing World Championships, entry to this Elite Competition is considered an explicit statement by the boxer of their injury-free status, their fitness to compete and their preparedness to compete. It is on that basis that all entrants to the competition will be required to compete in order to be considered for selection for the World Boxing World Championships.
All competitors must sign and return the Declaration on page 4 of this circular to performance@iaba.ie and secretary@iaba.ie by close of entry in order to be considered for selection
Affiliated clubs wishing to enter boxers into the competition must log- in to their Blocworx portal, using their unique username and password. Clubs who have not retained their username or password following the completion of their affiliation for the 2024/2025 season can contact IABA staff, Sally Ann Kinch sally@iaba.ie or Ciara Plunkett, ciara@iaba.ie
Draw: Tuesday, May 27th, National Stadium Dublin. Only boxers entered through the Blocworx portal for whom fees are fully paid will be included in the draw.
Membership & Eligibility
All clubs are on notice of IABA Rule 6.5.i: “A club shall not include in its list of members the name of any person who is a member of any other club unless dual membership has been specially authorised by the IABA”; Accordingly, any club making an entry to the 2025 National Elite Competition affirms that the entrant is not a member of any other club, in any jurisdiction
Sport nationality eligibility is outlined in World Boxing’s Competition Rules, 2.3 & 2.4
In addition: 5.1.3. National Federations will ensure that their Boxers compete in World Boxing Competitions under the correct Sport Nationality, in accordance with these Rules.
5.1.4. National Federations are responsible to ensure the health, fitness and skill levels of the Boxers and other Team Members are sufficient to participate in World Boxing Competitions
Weigh-in and Medical:
Boxers will weigh daily on the days they box.
Boxing Record books will be presented by the boxer at their initial weigh-in.
Weigh-in Times: 8:00 to 9:00am
Boxing: Times will be contingent on entries and shall be announced after the draw.
Duration:
Duration of rounds: Men & Women 3 x 3 Minutes
Age Requirements: Boxers born 1985 to 2006, inclusive.
Weights:
Men: 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, 90kg, 90+kg
Women: 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 80+kg
Non-Pregnancy Declarations forms must be signed by the boxer
Gumshields: Red/orange/pink or variations of these colours are not allowed.
Hair Must be tied back, and swimming hats or hairnets should be worn under the headgear for boxers with long hair.
Anti-Doping: Boxers must provide details of any medication they are taking or have taken in the preceding 4 weeks. Anti-Doping may be carried out at any stage of the competition.
Attention is called to the stipulation in the IABA Rule book that each boxer presented by his/her club shall be fit to box. This is the responsibility of the club.
President Anthony Donnolly, Vice President Eugene Duffy, Hon Secretary Tara Mari, Hon
Treasurer Larry Morrison, Hon Registrar Stephen Connolly
Coach Registration: via secretary@iaba.ie
Only registered coaches will be allowed to enter the field of play and/or changing rooms. Coach registration will be cross-checked against stated qualifications and Garda Vetting/Access NI checks. Any registered coaches who do not have current Garda Vetting/Access NI checks will not be permitted to sit at corner and/or to enter the changing rooms. Fundamental coaches will be permitted to do No. 2.
Attire: Coaches must wear tracksuits and runners in their corners at all sessions and set a high standard of hygiene. No shorts, caps or hats are allowed. Boxers may not wear international kit – boxers may wear club kit, only.
As the 2025 National Elite Competition form is a factor for team selection for international competition, all entrants must hold a current up to date Irish passport, with at least 6 months remaining to expiry. Please note that boxers born in Northern Ireland may choose to identify themselves as Irish or British or both in accordance with the provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (more commonly known as the Good Friday Agreement).
Any misbehaviour or misuse of social media in a negative manner from members of any club relating to a boxer/coach/official will be referred to the IABA Discipline Officer under the IABA Complaints and Discipline Code, communicated to all clubs on May 17th 2024.
N.B. It is a condition of entry that all boxers and their clubs have signed and submitted the Members Acknowledgement Form and it is the responsibility of the entering unit that this stipulation is complied with.
As this is a Competition and not a Championship, boxer entered are still eligible to Box as an Intermediate Boxer.
Sportsmanship: All decisions must be accepted in a sporting manner. Any complaints must be addressed to the Chief Official, National Registrar Mr. Stephen Connolly. Please show respect to all Ringside Officials