Two Mayo boxers bring home gold at international tournament

Once again, the best of pride, skill, and power in Mayo boxing was on display over the weekend as a pair of talented punchers put on incredible displays in Croatia.

Both Shannon Sweeney and Grace Bailey were in fine form on the continent as they represented the county and the nation on the international stage.

First, we’ll examine the work of Castlebar’s finest, Grace Bailey. Bailey got off to a flying start in her opening bout of the event in Zagreb, mastering the ring in Round One, keeping the pressure on in Round Two, before forcing the referee into the stoppage in the final round.

When up against the Slovenian fighter in the final, Bailey was under extreme pressure. However, she thrived in the adversity, winning all three rounds on the scorecards and bringing home the gold medal.

The performances across the tournament were enough to see her crowned best youth boxer.

The fifth edition of the Zagreb Boxing Queen tournament proved to be a happy hunting ground for those from the Emerald Isle, and Shannon Sweeney was another of the eight Irish representatives to leave with a gold medal draped around her neck.

The pride of St Anne’s Boxing Club first dispatched a German fighter in the semi-final, setting her up for a bout against an English fighter in the final.

A display of composure and class was enough to see Sweeney get past her opponent from across the Irish Sea, adding another title to her glittering resumé for 2025.

Much like her fellow Mayo woman, her performances and ring-craft came in for special acclaim from the event organisers, who rewarded her with the title of best elite boxer at the three-day event.

A proud day for the pair, their coaches, trainers, clubs, and county, no doubt.