Amy Broadhurst has returned to boxing following the birth of her son
Amy Broadhurst (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Amy Broadhurst made a winning return to the ring on Friday after almost two years since her last fight.
The Dundalk native, representing Team GB, defeated Team Ireland’s Kaci Rock at the Feliks Stamm tournament in Poland in the 65kg weight category.
Broadhurst won via a 5-0 unanimous decision against Rock, of the Holy Trinity club in Belfast.
It was the former World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medallist’s first fight since May 2024, after she took a break from boxing as she gave birth to her first child.
Broadhurst told of her joy following the bout, with the victory coming 11 months after she gave birth to baby Luca.
She wrote on Instagram: “11 months after having a baby – we’re back on the international scene! Delighted to be back in the ring and to come away with a win. What a feeling looking up and seeing this little man cheer me on.”
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The 29-year-old will be hoping to qualify for the 2028 Olympics after missing out on the Paris Games in 2024.
Broadhurst switched to Team GB after being overlooked for selection in the Ireland team for the Olympic qualifiers two years ago.
Speaking about returning to boxing earlier this year, ‘Baby Canelo’ said: “People automatically presume because you’re having a baby that that career is finished. When he’s older and looking back at what I’ve done, I’m hoping he’ll be very proud.”
She added after linking back up with Team GB: “While the initial decision to switch to Great Britain in 2024 was a bit of a whirlwind experience, I was warmly welcomed by GB Boxing and treated really well, so it is great to come back into the squad.
“There are a lot of new faces and a whole new energy here, but everyone has been so welcoming. It feels like a fresh start, and I am really enjoying working alongside such a talented group of boxers and with top-class coaches that I have already established good working relationships with from my previous time with the squad.
“Balancing boxing and being a mum definitely is challenging, but my little boy is my biggest motivation. I’ll be flying from Ireland to GB every week but having him with me every second week will make all the difference and keep me grounded and remind me why I am doing this.
“When I missed out on qualification last time, I was devastated, but now I see it differently. Everything happens for a reason.
“I feel strong and comfortable competing at 60kg. In the past, I was up and down with weight but this time I am focused on staying consistent. I am fully committed to the next two and half years now and my goal is simple. Train hard, keep improving, and do everything I can to make it to the 2028 Olympics.”