Lisa O’Rourke is set to miss out on the Paris 2024 Olympics having been overlooked by Irish boxing selectors.
2022 World Champion O’Rourke was expected to come into consideration ahead of the final World qualifier in Thailand at the end of May.
However, it appears O’Rourke and another World champion Amy Broadhurst have been overlooked behind Grannie Walsh at Welterweight.
Broadhurst told the Irish News. She received a call from IABA High Performance director Tricia Heberle explaining that neither she nor O’Rourke would be assessed.
Teams for the final World qualifier have to be submitted by April 17. Walsh has been given the nod as the Irish team prepare for an upcoming training camp with Ukraine.
Broadhurst and O’Rourke were instead told there would be an assessment for the number two position at welterweight. The winner heads to the upcoming European Championships in Serbia.
For Dundalk fighter Broadhurst, it’s expected to be the final act in her amateur career. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn is a long-time admirer of Broadhurst who is expected to turn professional.
Castlerea boxer O’Rourke won her world title in 2022 in the light middleweight division, which is not an Olympic weight. Hence, O’Rourke’s decision to drop down and compete at welterweight to secure a place alongside her sister Aoife in Paris.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Assocation have yet to confirm the selections for the final World qualifier for Paris 2024.
