The Irish Boxing National U22 Championships got underway on Friday 11th January, in the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin.
The National U22 Championships is used by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association as part of their selection process for the European U/22 Men’s and Women’s Championships. These Championships will be hosted in Vladikavkaz, Russia from March 7th to March 18th.
Four semi-final bouts were decided on Friday with a number of outstanding boxers with major medals on show including; Aoife O’Rourke, Lauren Kelly, Niamh Early, Amy Broadhurst and Isobella Hughes. The winners now progress to the final of their respective weight classes, on January 25th.
In the 75kg category, Aoife O’Rourke convincingly defeated Lauren Kelly in a battle of the European U22 and Youth medallists. Aoife O’Rourke finalist in the U22 European women’s middleweight final but was forced to withdraw due to illness consequently claiming silver. O’Rourke also reached the last 16 at the Boxing World Championships in December.
Amy Broadhurst, who has a record 16 national titles, defeated D.C.U’s Jennifer Lehane 5-0 on the scorecard to progress to the final. Broadhurst will face Mount Tallant Boxing Club’s Bella Hughes in the final after Hughes resoundingly beat Aisling Murray of Muskerry Boxing Club 5-0.
The match up of Broadhurst and Huges is a repeat of last year’s semi-final. Hughes will hope to pin down Broadhurst after her elusive movement and heavy hitting won her the bout in their previous encounter.
There were also a win for 2015 AIBA World Women’s Youth and Junior Championship silver medallist who boxes out of Ryston Boxing Club. Early beat Nycole Hayes (Togher) on a unanimous decision and will now face Caitlyn Fryers in the 51kg final.
Semi-Finals
51kg Niamh Early (Ryston) beat Nycole Hayes (Togher) 5-0
60kg Amy Broadhurst (Delagan) beat Jennifer Lehane (D.C.U.) 5-0
60kg Isobella Hughes (Mount Tallant) beat Aisling Murray (Muskerry) 5-0
75kg Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea) beat Lauren Kelly (St Brigids Edenderry) 5-0
Friday January 25
Finals (6.30pm)
48kg Ciara Walsh (Smithfield) V Courtney Daly Crumlin)
51kg Caitlyn Fryers (Immaculata) V Niamh Early (Ryston)
60kg Amy Broadhurst (Delagan) V Isobella Hughes (Mount Tallant)
