The inaugural Elite European Boxing Championships are underway in Sofia, Bulgaria, with Great Britain fielding a formidable contingent that includes several Commonwealth Games medallists. The competition, running through 26 September 2026, represents a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to secure Olympic qualification.
Among the British squad is Amy Broadhurst, a former World and European champion who previously represented Ireland at the highest level. The 60kg boxer made the significant decision to switch allegiance to Britain ahead of the Paris 2024 Games as she pursued her Olympic ambitions.
Broadhurst's journey to Sofia has been unconventional. She was instrumental in Katie Taylor's preparation for the Irish legend's landmark victory over Amanda Serrano, serving as a key sparring partner. Now competing under the British flag, she is navigating the demands of elite sport while raising her young son.
This European championship marks her first major competition since returning to the ring following the birth of her baby boy. Her comeback began in June 2026 at the World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, ending a two-year absence from international competition.
Balancing motherhood with elite training has presented unique challenges.
"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."
Her son accompanies her to competitions and training camps.
"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."
Broadhurst rejoined the GB Boxing programme in January 2026, training four days weekly at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Her sights are firmly set on Los Angeles 2028, but Sofia represents a critical juncture in that journey.
"This is my last shot at the Olympics. So they know after this it's all said and done."
Emotional return against Ireland
Her comeback has already delivered dramatic moments. Earlier this year, her first bout after two years away pitted her against her former nation, creating an emotionally charged scenario.
"My first fight back after two years was against Ireland. So that was a mad situation,"Broadhurst recalled.
"I was trying to control my feelings because obviously a lot of [stuff] went on with that whole situation."
She approached the contest with professionalism despite the circumstances.
"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."
Potential showdown with Harrington
The Sofia championships could deliver another high-profile Irish encounter. Kellie Harrington, Ireland's two-time Olympic champion, has been named in the Irish team for the competition, competing in the same 60kg weight class as Broadhurst.
The pair have shared the ring before.
"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."
A meeting in Bulgaria remains uncertain, dependent on both boxers progressing through their respective brackets.
"You could meet each other,"Broadhurst noted.
"You just don't know what's going to happen."
"I'll take it one fight at a time."
What comes next
Broadhurst's performances in Sofia will be closely monitored as she builds toward the 2028 Olympic cycle. The championships continue through late September, meaning her next competitive bouts will unfold over the coming weeks in Bulgaria. Success here could significantly strengthen her case for Olympic selection, making every bout critical in her quest to achieve her final Olympic dream.
