Irish Boxer Aidan Walsh Seeks Final Olympic Qualification in Bangkok

Irish boxer Aidan Walsh, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, is gearing up for his final chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. After returning to the ring in March following a 14-month break, Walsh was unfortunately defeated in his second bout at the first world qualification tournament in Milan. Now, the 27-year-old has his sights set on securing a spot in his second Olympics, alongside his sister Michaela.

Walsh will lead a seven-strong Irish team at the upcoming Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, from 21 May to 2 June. The team also includes European Games athletes Daina Moorehouse, Jennifer Lehane, Grainne Walsh, Sean Mari, Kelyn Cassidy, and superheavy Martin McDonagh.

With more than 600 boxers set to compete in Bangkok, the qualification process will be tough. In the weight classes Ireland is contesting, there are varying numbers of spots available for the Paris Games. Walsh will be vying for one of five spots in the light-middleweight (71kg) class, while there are three places up for grabs at 80kg.

The Irish team will be fine-tuning their preparations at a multi-nations camp in Hua Hin, Thailand, ahead of the crucial tournament. Six Team Ireland boxers have already secured their spots for Paris, including reigning Olympic lightweight champion Kellie Harrington and Tokyo Olympians Michaela Walsh and Aoife O’Rourke.

As Aidan Walsh and his teammates gear up for the final qualification tournament, all eyes will be on their performance as they aim to secure their places at the prestigious Paris Olympics.