World Boxing Cup, China – Boxing Ireland
Team Ireland has announced an 11-member squad to compete in the World Boxing Cup in China. The selection features a strategic mix of Paris Olympians, European medalists, and athletes preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A Blend of Experience and New Talent
The roster includes five Paris alumni: Daina Moorehouse, Jenny Lehane, Michaela Walsh, Dean Clancy, and Jack Marley of Monkstown BC, Dublin. Returning from the World Boxing Cup (WBC) Brazil team are Jon McConnell and Evelyn Igharo, both competing at 70kg.
Josh Olaniyan (80kg) returns to the squad after a late injury withdrawal from the Brazil team. He is joined by Jobstown BC club-mate Tadhg O’Donnell, who will contest the 75kg category.
Making her debut at this level is superheavy Cliona D’Arcy (80+kg), the 2022 World Youth Champion. She is joined by fellow Galwegian Adam Hession, who will compete as a lightweight.
Tournament Stakes and Schedule
The event will take place in Guiyang City from June 15th to 20th, marking the second stage of the 2026 World Boxing Cup series. This series is specifically designed for elite male and female boxers to accrue vital ranking points.
The team is scheduled to depart for China on June 3rd for a two-week sparring and acclimatisation camp. This preparation is critical as Guiyang City is seven hours ahead of Ireland.
The tournament schedule is rigorous, with no rest days. Preliminaries will run from June 15th to 19th, followed by semi-finals on June 20th. All finals and medal ceremonies are set for June 21st.
Leadership and Strategic Goals
High Performance Director Jon Mackey, serving as Team Manager, emphasized the importance of the environment. “There’s a strong blend of experienced boxers and younger athletes in this squad, and competitions like the World Boxing Cup are where you really learn and grow,” Mackey stated.
Mackey added that these experiences are “vital if you want to keep progressing at international level,” noting that the focus is on sharpening performances and handling the challenges of elite competition.
Interim High Performance Head Coach Damian Kennedy highlighted the “tough, effective camp” the team has completed. He noted that the opportunity to test athletes against top international opponents provides lessons that “you can’t replicate in training.”
Team Ireland Roster
- 51kg: Daina Moorehouse (Enniskerry BC, Wicklow)
- 54kg: Jenny Lehane (DCU BC, Dublin)
- 57kg: Michaela Walsh (Holy Family BC, Belfast)
- 60kg: Adam Hession (Monivea BC, Galway)
- 65kg: Dean Clancy (Sean McDermott BC, Leitrim)
- 70kg: Jon McConnell (Holy Trinity BC, Belfast)
- 70kg: Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa BC, Louth)
- 75kg: Tadhg O’Donnell (Jobstown BC, Dublin)
- 80kg: Josh Olaniyan (Jobstown BC, Dublin)
- 80+kg: Cliona D’Arcy (Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway)
- 90kg: Jack Marley (Monkstown BC, Dublin)
Support Staff
- Team Manager: Jon Mackey
- Head Coach: Damian Kennedy
- Coaches: James Doyle, Lynne McEnery, Liam Cunningham, Ross Hickey
- Physio: Rob Tuomey
- Performance Analyst: Alan Swanton
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Boxing Cup in China take place?
The tournament takes place in Guiyang City from June 15th to 20th, with finals and medal ceremonies occurring on June 21st.
How are ranking points awarded in the series?
Champions earn 150 points, silver medalists receive 100 points, and bronze medalists are awarded 75 ranking points.
What is the preparation plan for Team Ireland?
The team leaves for China on June 3rd to undergo a two-week sparring and acclimatisation camp.
How do you think the experience of the Paris Olympians will impact the newer members of the squad in China?