Broadhurst Views European Championships as Final Olympic Opportunity

The European Elite Boxing Championships commence in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Thursday, featuring a robust Great Britain squad that includes multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallists. Among the competitors is Amy Broadhurst, a former World and European champion who originally represented Ireland before switching allegiance to Britain ahead of the Paris 2024 cycle.

Broadhurst, known for serving as a sparring partner for Katie Taylor during her historic victory over Amanda Serrano, stated that the upcoming tournament represents her final bid for Olympic qualification. “This is my last shot at the Olympics. So they know after this it’s all said and done,” she told Sky Sports.

The event marks Broadhurst’s return to major international competition following the birth of her son. She acknowledged the logistical challenges of balancing motherhood with elite training but credited her support network for making it feasible. “It’s tough but we’re making it work and I’m very lucky to have the support around me,” she explained. Her son will travel to Bulgaria with the team and visit Sheffield every two weeks, a schedule Broadhurst admitted creates demanding periods where she must manage both parenting and professional training.

Broadhurst’s comeback has already been marked by notable circumstances. Her first bout back after a two-year hiatus saw her face her former national team, Ireland. Reflecting on the emotionally charged matchup, she noted that while there was significant tension between both parties, she focused on maintaining professionalism. “I shook hands with the coach and I showed respect. That was probably the main thing, not to get sucked into the emotional part of it. It was get in, box and move on,” she recalled.

Although she did not face Ireland’s top lightweight Kellie Harrington in that initial return fight, a potential clash in Sofia is now possible. Harrington, the two-time Olympic champion, has entered the championships. Broadhurst, who sparred with Harrington in preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Games, acknowledged the history between them. “We’ve shared the ring many times and it would be a spicy fight,” she said, adding that she intends to take the competition one fight at a time as she pursues a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.