Today is a red letter day for Irish boxing, which has gained two World Champions.
63kg Amy Broadhurst, of St. Bronagh’s ABC, Rostrevor, and 70kg Lisa O’Rourke of Olympic, Galway, overcame opponents from Algeria and Mozambique, respectively, at today’s finals in Istanbul, Turkey.
This is the first time that two Team Ireland boxers have contested finals at the same Women’s World Championships, and a first ever double gold for Ireland.
Judges scored Amy’s final, against Algeria’s Imane Khelif: 29:28, 29:28, 30:26, 29:28, 30:26
Amy shared her thoughts after claiming victory:
She adds: Amy says “I believe I still need days to understand what I did today. I have been dreaming about this moment since my childhood and I worked almost 20 years to win a big championship. I had to be patient today and not make any mistakes against the counter-attacking Algerian. I felt in the second round that my strategy worked and I knew that I could make it. I don’t remember what my coach Zaur Antia told me in the second break but I gave in everything in the third”
Team Ireland Head Coach, Zauri Antia, says “Amy and Lisa’s technical, tactical and athletic performances in their bouts today showed their commitment & dedication to preparation for this tournament. All Team Ireland boxers performed well in Istanbul, and are better, more experienced boxers for having contested here. Amy and Lisa’s victories are magnificent achievements, and they should enjoy every moment of their wins. Team Ireland Coaches, John Conlan, Eoin Pluck and Noel Burke have done fantastic work throughout the tournament – so, too have each and every Team Ireland boxer’s club coaches in pre-preparation for the competition.”
IABA President, Dominic O’Rourke says “This is an historic day for Irish boxing. A day that will be remembered for generations to come. Amy and Lisa have done themselves, their families, and their clubs – St. Bronagh’s and Olympic Galway, proud by showcasing the depth and quality of Irish boxing on the world stage.”
And here’s Lisa reacting to her victory, a 4-1 split ( 29:28, 26:30, 29:28, 30:27, 30:27) win over Mozambique’s Helena Alcinda Panguane
She adds: Lisa says “I can’t find any words now…I won the EUBC European U22 Boxing Championships in Croatia this March but this is something unexpected for me. My plan is always to be on the top of the podium but I am over the moon after this success. I had to keep the distance in this final, and followed Zaur’s and John’s instructions,”
2022 Golden Belt champion, Amy and reigning European U22 champion, Lisa follow in the footsteps of 5 time World gold medallist, Katie Taylor, and 2018 World champ, Kellie Harrington.
Prize money is up for grabs at this year’s tournament, and Amy & Lisa have both claimed purses of $100,000, each.
| Medal | Prize Money |
| Gold | USD 100,000 |
| Silver | USD 50,000 |
| Bronze | USD 25,000 |
| Bronze | USD 25,000 |
IABA Chief Executive, Fergal Carruth, says “The scale of Amy & Lisa’s achievement is almost immeasurable. As Ireland continues today to punch far above its weight on the international stage – as well as these two historic World Championship medals, Team Boxing has won 29 medals at major competition in the last few months with a record-breaking haul of medals at the European U22 Championships, and winning the top team award at the European Youths. These successes would not have been possible without our dedicated and immensely talented volunteers at club level, our competition organisers and the expertise of our High performance team. Today is a very proud day for Irish boxing.”
Team Ireland will come home on Saturday, landing at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 at 3.50pm.
Team Ireland
48kg Shannon Sweeney, St.Anne’ BCs, Mayo
50kg Caitlin Fryers, Immaculata BC, Belfast
52kg Carly McNaul, Ormeau Road BC, Belfast
54kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal, Dublin
57kg: Michaela Walsh: Emerald BC, Belfast
63kg Amy Broadhurst: St.Bronagh’s ABC, Rostrevor
66kg Kaci Rock, Enniskerry BC, Wicklow
70kg Lisa O’Rourke, Olympic BC, Galway
75kg Aoife O’Rourke: Olympic BC, Galway
Coaches:
Zauri Antia
John Conlan
Eoin Pluck
Noel Burke
Competition Venue:
Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey