The European Elite Boxing Championships kick off on Thursday in Sofia, Bulgaria, featuring a formidable British contingent that includes several Commonwealth Games gold medalists. Among the athletes representing Great Britain is Amy Broadhurst, a former world and European champion who previously fought under the Irish flag. Broadhurst, who played a crucial role as a sparring partner for Katie Taylor during the Irish legend’s historic victory over Amanda Serrano, made the decision to switch allegiance from Ireland to Britain in the lead‑up to the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle. Her primary aim was to secure a place at the Games, and the European Championships mark her first major tournament since returning to the sport after giving birth to her son.
"It’s challenging, but we’re making it work and I’m incredibly grateful for the support around me," Broadhurst told Sky Sports. "He’s at an age now where this kind of schedule is feasible.
He’ll travel with me to Bulgaria, and he’ll also join me in Sheffield every other week." She went on to explain that juggling motherhood and elite training creates a demanding routine: "Those weeks are tough because you’re essentially doing two jobs at once." The boxer made it clear that this event represents her last realistic chance to qualify for the Olympics. "This is my last shot at the Olympics. After this, it’s all decided," she said, underscoring the high stakes of the competition. The Sofia tournament is a pivotal stepping stone on a longer journey that Broadhurst hopes will eventually lead her to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Her comeback, however, has already produced dramatic moments. In her first bout back after a two‑year hiatus earlier this year, she was drawn against her former national team, Ireland. "My first fight back after two years was against Ireland. It was a crazy situation," Broadhurst recalled.
She described the emotional tug‑of‑war she felt, noting that the match carried more than just sporting significance. "I was trying to control my feelings because obviously a lot of stuff went on with that whole situation. I knew going in that I was going to do okay, but there were a lot of ill feelings on both sides." Broadhurst emphasized that professionalism guided her approach. "I think I handled it very well.
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. It was like closing the chapter on something.
We shook hands and then that was it," she said. While she did not face Ireland’s top lightweight in that encounter, the possibility remains that she could meet one of the country’s elite boxers in Sofia.
Notably, Kellie Harrington, a two‑time Olympic champion for Ireland, is also entered in the European Championships. "I was her sparring partner for the 2021 Games," Broadhurst noted.
"I was brought over to Tokyo. We've shared the ring many times and it would be a spicy fight. You could meet each other, you just don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ll take it one fight at a time." Broadhurst’s decision to change national allegiance was driven by the desire to maximize her Olympic prospects.
The move has sparked discussion within the boxing community about the fluidity of national representation in the sport, especially as athletes seek the best pathways to elite competition. For Broadhurst, the switch also meant adapting to a new training environment, coaching staff, and support system, all while navigating the responsibilities of new motherhood.
Her training regimen now balances rigorous technical work in the ring with conditioning sessions tailored to her post‑pregnancy body. She credits her coaching team in Britain for providing a flexible schedule that accommodates her son’s needs, allowing her to travel to competitions with him in tow. This family‑centric approach reflects a broader trend in elite sport where athletes are demanding more holistic support structures that consider personal life alongside performance goals. The European Championships themselves are a key qualifier for the Paris Olympics, offering athletes a chance to earn ranking points and secure slots for their respective National Olympic Committees.
For a boxer like Broadhurst, who is competing in the lightweight division, the stakes are particularly high because only a limited number of spots are available worldwide. Each bout in Sofia will be scrutinized by selectors, and a strong showing could cement her place on the British Olympic roster. Beyond the immediate goal of Olympic qualification, Broadhurst sees this tournament as a platform to re‑establish herself among the sport’s elite. Having previously captured world and European titles for Ireland, she is eager to demonstrate that she can still perform at the highest level after a significant life change.
Her experience as a sparring partner for legends like Katie Taylor has given her insight into the mental and tactical aspects required to succeed on the biggest stages. Looking ahead, Broadhurst remains realistic about the challenges ahead.
"I know the competition is fierce, and I have to bring my best every night," she said. "But I also know that I have the support of my team, my family, and the fans. That gives me the confidence to go out there and fight my heart out." If she can navigate the pressures of the European Championships and secure a berth for Paris, Broadhurst hopes to build momentum toward a longer‑term plan that includes targeting the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Her journey illustrates the resilience required of modern athletes, balancing personal milestones with the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.
In summary, Amy Broadhurst’s participation in the European Elite Boxing Championships is more than just another tournament—it is a decisive chapter in her quest for Olympic redemption. With her son by her side, a supportive British team, and a clear focus on making the most of what she calls her "last shot," Broadhurst is poised to fight not only for a medal but for a place in Olympic history.