The inaugural European Elite Boxing Championships are set to begin in Sofia, Bulgaria this week, with Team GB fielding a formidable squad that includes several Commonwealth Games gold medallists. The event marks the debut of the new Elite Championships format, with Bulgaria hosting the inaugural championships from 15-26 September 2026.
Among the British contingent is Amy Broadhurst, a former World and European gold medallist who represented Ireland before switching allegiance ahead of Paris 2024 in pursuit of Olympic qualification. Her decision to change nations marked a significant moment in her career, driven by her determination to reach the Games.
Broadhurst's presence in Sofia comes at a pivotal moment in her boxing journey. She is competing in her first major championships since returning to the sport following the birth of her son, a transition that has required careful planning and unwavering support from those around her.
It's tough but we're making it work and I'm very lucky to have the support around me, Broadhurst told Sky Sports.
He's at the right age now where this is possible.
Managing motherhood alongside elite sport has presented unique challenges.
He'll come to Bulgaria with me and he comes to Sheffield every second week with me, she explained.
Those weeks are tough because you're doing two jobs then.
The weight of this moment is not lost on Broadhurst.
This is my last shot at the Olympics. So they know after this it's all said and done.Her words underline the significance of these European championships as a stepping stone toward Los Angeles 2028, though the immediate focus remains on Sofia.
Emotional return and the Ireland chapter
Broadhurst's comeback has already tested her emotionally and professionally. Her first bout after two years away saw her face opponents from her former nation, a scenario laden with complexity given the circumstances of her switch.
My first fight back after two years was against Ireland. So that was a mad situation, she reflected.
I was trying to control my feelings because obviously a lot of [stuff] went on with that whole situation.
Despite the emotional turbulence, she approached the contest with professionalism and respect.
I knew going in that I was going to do okay. But there was just a lot of ill feelings on both behalfs. 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's it.
Her comeback has already yielded success. Earlier in 2026, Broadhurst claimed gold at the Feliks Stamm Memorial Tournament in Eindhoven, where she defeated Thailand's Olympic silver medallist Janjaem Suwannapheng and the Netherlands' Aaliyah Hoppema, signalling her readiness for major competition.
Potential showdown with Harrington looms
The possibility of facing Kellie Harrington in Sofia adds another layer of intrigue to these championships. Ireland's 14-strong squad for the European Elite Championships includes the two-time Olympic champion, setting up a potential encounter between two fighters with shared history.
Broadhurst and Harrington have crossed paths before in the ring.
I was her sparring partner for the 2021 Games, Broadhurst said.
I was brought over to Tokyo.
We've shared the ring many times and it would be a spicy fight.The prospect of meeting Harrington again carries weight, though nothing is certain in tournament boxing.
You could meet each other, Broadhurst noted.
You just don't know what's going to happen.
Her approach remains measured and methodical.
I'll take it one fight at a time.
What lies ahead
The European Elite Championships represent far more than a routine tournament for Broadhurst. They are a crucial audition for Olympic selection and a chance to prove that her switch of nations was justified. With her son accompanying her to Bulgaria and her support network firmly in place, she enters the competition with both personal and professional stakes at their highest.
