GB's Broadhurst wins opening Olympic qualifier
Dundalk woman Amy Broadhurst won her opening Olympic qualifier in Thailand as she made her debut for Great Britain following her switch from Ireland.
Broadhurst, who clinched World, European and Commonwealth Games titles in 2022, opted to box for Great Britain after not being selected in the Ireland team for the final qualifier in Bangkok.
The county Louth woman holds a British passport as her father is English-born.
Broadhurst earned an opening unanimous 5-0 victory over Spain's Sheila Martinez in her opening last-16 bout in the 60kg division.
With three Paris Games spots available in her division, Broadhurst will need to reach the final in Thailand or win a box-off for third place to qualify for her first Olympics.
She will box either Canada's Terris Smith or Bulgaria's Aslahan Mehmedova next.
Broadhurst back in favoured division
Broadhurst is competing at her favoured weight after having to previously shift divisions because Ireland's Olympic champion Kellie Harrington also fights at 60kg.
"I’m glad to get the first one out of the way," Broadhurst told GB Boxing in her first bout following a lengthy injury lay-off.
"It’s OK sparring and stuff but the nerves before a fight are completely different so it’s good to finally be back in there at my natural weight as well.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to be working with. They’ve been amazing to me," added Broadhurst of her GB coaches.
Ireland's Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Aidan Walsh won his opening qualifier bout on Sunday as he earned a dominant 5-0 win over Kenya's Boniface Mogunde Maina.
Walsh's win moved him into the final 32, with five Paris spots available in his light-middleweight division.
The Belfast man is aiming to join his sister Michaela in the Ireland boxing team at the Games.
Ireland's Kelyn Cassidy progressed to the last 16 of his division on Monday by stopping India's AS Stivens in the third round of their bout.
The Waterford man is chasing one of the three qualifying spots in the 80kg division.
