Amy Broadhurst: World champion wants GB switch from Ireland in bid to make Paris Games

Broadhurst (centre) beat Algeria's Imane Khelif (left) to win women's light welterweight world championship gold in May 2022

World champion Amy Broadhurst is seeking to switch allegiance from Ireland to Great Britain in a bid to qualify for the Paris Games.

Broadhurst said she was informed by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) that she would not be competing in an Olympic qualifier next month.

The IABA said they were were contacted by GB Boxing on behalf of Broadhurst.

It added that she "intends to seek a change of nationality in a bid to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games".

"We have discussed this with OFI and Sport Ireland and have expressed our disappointment, while wanting to ensure that she understands the full ramifications of this request and the advice she might be receiving if she decides to go ahead with it.

"We have indicated that if she really thinks that this is best for her as a person and an athlete after these discussions we will not stand in her way."

BBC Sport NI understands that should the transfer be ratified by the IOC, then Broadhurst will attempt to be selected at 60kg [lightweight] a weight category in which Ireland's Kellie Harrington is the current Olympic champion.

Broadhurst 'to do everything in her power' to reach Olympics

Broadhurst won World, European and Commonwealth gold medals in an impressive 2022

Broadhurst, a World, European and Commonwealth Games champion said earlier this week that the IABA informed her that she will not be assessed for the second World Qualifying tournament, which is due to take place at the end of May in Bangkok.

According to the 27-year-old, the High Performance Unit wanted to assess her and another world champion, Lisa O'Rourke, for the upcoming European Championships in Serbia instead of sending them to Thailand, where Grainne Walsh is set to be selected.

On Thursday, Broadhurst posted on X, formally Twitter, "I was left broken-hearted and completely devastated when I was informed by the IABA recently that I would not be assessed for selection ahead of the final Olympic qualifier in May and that my Olympic ambitions were effectively over.

"I have won World, European and Commonwealth gold medals and remain the IABA's highest rated boxer in the current World ratings, but my lifelong dream has been to become an Olympian."

She added: "Since being informed of the IABA's decision I have been exploring all my options available to me to keep that dream alive."

"I will continue to do so because the Olympic flame continues to burn brightly in me and I am determined to do everything in my power to become an Olympian.

"I have no further comment to add at this times."