THERE has been a social media backlash after Amy Broadhurst was picked to box for Great Britain in the final Olympic qualifier.
Due to the strong negative reactions from coaches and fans regarding GB Boxing’s decision to send Broadhurst at 60kgs for the event in Thailand (May 25-June 2), they have been compelled to restrict the commenting privileges on their Facebook page.
The decision to send 27-year-old Shona Whitwell and Gemma Richardson from Dundalk to Bangkok has left their family and supporters unhappy, particularly considering Broadhurst’s impressive record of winning gold in the European, World, and Commonwealth Games while representing Ireland.
Earlier this month, Whitwell, a left-handed boxer from St Ives, participated in the initial two qualifying events. Richardson, hailing from Scunthorpe, triumphantly returned from the World Boxing Cup: International Invitational in Colorado, securing a well-deserved silver medal.
The majority of Irish fans have shown their support for Broadhurst’s decision to switch on her own social media, resulting in a more positive reaction.
After learning that Ireland had designated welterweight Grainne Walsh to participate in the final qualifier in Bangkok (May 27-June 2), Broadhurst explored the option of boxing for Britain.
According to the IOC website, athletes are required to wait for a minimum of three years after their last representation for their former country before they can change nationality.
It seems that Broadhurst has been chosen to represent GB Boxing due to her possession of a British passport, as her father hails from Slough, and she is also affiliated with Islington ABC.
At the age of 18, Broadhurst relocated to London where coach Reg Hagland estimates she participated in approximately twelve matches for the North London club.
During her time in the capital, she often found herself dozing off in the gym.
Broadhurst, hailing from Islington, was awarded the prestigious title of Best Boxer at the 2016 Celtic Box Cup held in Dungarvan. Additionally, they triumphantly clinched the 2018 ABA Championship while representing Islington.
In 2016, she had the honor of representing London ABA against Sweden in Gothenburg.
According to Rob McCracken, the Performance Director of GB Boxing, the decision to select Broadhurst was based on their selection criteria. This criteria focuses on choosing individuals who show potential to qualify for and succeed in winning an Olympic Games medal. After thoroughly evaluating all the boxers at recent training camps and considering their past performances in elite international tournaments, the coaches unanimously agreed that Broadhurst fulfilled these criteria the most in the women’s lightweight division.
After it became evident that Kellie Harrington would be vying for consecutive Olympic gold medals at 60kgs in Paris, Broadhurst contemplated the possibility of joining GB Boxing some time ago.
Kellie Harrington (L)
Despite anticipating criticism for her decision, Broadhurst emerged as the dominant force in the 60kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, she showcased her prowess by clinching gold medals in both the European and World Championships, this time competing in the 63kg weight class.
There is no women’s weight category for light-welterweight in Paris. Since Harrington is Ireland’s top choice at 60kgs, Broadhurst had to move up to 66kgs.
Last year at the European Games in Poland, she narrowly missed the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, narrowly losing to Rosie Eccles (Wales) in a split decision.
In March, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association dispatched Walsh to the qualifier in Italy. Unfortunately, in a devastating turn of events, he lost on a tie break to Aneta Rygielska (Poland), leaving him and his team heartbroken.
At the final bell, Walsh had a lead on two scorecards, while the remaining three judges had the fight tied.
The judges were requested to select a champion, and unanimously voted in favor of the Pole.
After being informed that Walsh would be sent to Bangkok for the final qualifier, Broadhurst examined her available choices.
She declined the offer to compete against Lisa O’Rourke for the second position behind Walsh.
After an impressive journey to the final at the World Boxing Cup in Colorado, Patris Mughalzai is selected at a weight of 63.5kgs.
Jahmal Harvey (USA), the reigning 2021 World featherweight champion, was defeated by a talented 21-year-old from Powerday Hooks. The young fighter successfully navigated a challenging semi-final bout against Reese Lynch.
Mughalzai emerged as the clear victor against the Scottish southpaw, winning unanimously, but later decided to withdraw from the final.
Lewis Richardson from Colchester has been selected to go to Bangkok weighing 71kgs, preceding the 2022 European Champion Harris Akbar from Bradford Police. Both athletes returned from Colorado with bronze medals. Additionally, Ramtin Musah from Beartown will have his opportunity in the 80kgs weight category.
Taylor Bevan, also known as Poseidon, represented Wales in the initial two qualifying events as a light-heavyweight.
Savannah Stubley, the bronze medallist in the Empire light-flyweight category at the most recent World Boxing Cup, has been chosen over Demi-Jade Resztan from New Astley. Similarly, Elise Glynn from West Warwicks has been selected in the 57kgs category.
With three victories, she claimed the featherweight gold in Colorado.
Kiaran MacDonald from Sunderland and Owan Harris-Allan from Apollos have been selected to represent the Great Britain team in their respective weight categories of 50kgs and 57kgs.
In previous events, both have come extremely close to qualifying, needing just one more win.
The GB Boxing Team is set to participate in the Olympic qualifier taking place in Bangkok from May 25th to June 2nd.
(Number of available Olympic spots)
Savannah Stubley weighs 50kgs and is estimated to be either 3 or 4 years old. Elise Glynn weighs 57kgs and is also estimated to be either 3 or 4 years old. Amy Broadhurst weighs 60kgs and is estimated to be either 2 or 3 years old.
Men’s weight categories and corresponding fighters:
– 51kgs: Kiaran MacDonald (4)
– 57kgs: Owain Harris-Allan (2 or 3)
– 63.5kgs: Patris Mughalzai (4 or 5)
– 71kgs: Lewis Richardson (4 or 5)
– 80kgs: Ramtin Musah (2 or 3)
AMY BROADHURST STATEMENT
I have always harbored the dream of participating in the Olympic Games, and I am thrilled to announce that GB Boxing has chosen me to represent them at the final qualifying event in Thailand this May.
After being informed by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) in March 2024 that I would not be considered for the final qualifier, I made the difficult decision to explore an alternative route to the Olympic Games. As a British passport holder, I felt a sense of responsibility towards myself and the countless individuals who have supported me throughout my career. It was important for me to exhaust all possibilities and keep striving towards my ultimate goal of competing on the grandest sporting platform.
From the moment I stepped foot inside the GB Boxing gym, my new teammates, coaches, and support staff have warmly embraced me. I am immensely grateful to everyone at GB Boxing for their unwavering support and dedication, which has played a vital role in keeping my Olympic dream alive. This opportunity would not have been possible without their hard work.
Right now, my main focus is to persistently train, heed the guidance of my coaches, and maximize my chances of triumphing at the qualifier. By doing so, I aim to fulfill my ultimate aspiration of earning a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
At present, I have no additional information to provide and will refrain from making any more public statements until after the qualifying event in Thailand.
