Ballina to host inaugural Wild Atlantic Box Cup
Members of Ballina Boxing Club take a break from training in advance of their hosting of the Wild Atlantic International Box Cup which takes place in Ballina from September 5 to 7.
Ballina Boxing Club has launched the first-ever Wild Atlantic International Box Cup, which gets underway in Ballina today.
This brand-new three-day tournament will bring hundreds of boxers from Ireland and beyond to the banks of the River Moy for a weekend of world-class amateur boxing, cultural connection, and community celebration.
Running from September 5 to 7, the Wild Atlantic International Box Cup is officially sanctioned by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) and supported by The Merry Monk and the local business community. Registration is now open on a first-come, first-served basis, and is capped at 300 participants.
“This is a huge moment for Ballina and for our club,” said Joe Lavelle, spokesperson for Ballina Boxing Club. “Our town has a rich boxing tradition and we currently have three national champions in our club with Kelsey Langan on the National Elite U19 team. We are incredibly proud to finally host an international event of this scale. We’ve received amazing support from IABA, local sponsors, and volunteers, and we can’t wait to welcome boxers, coaches and supporters from all over Ireland and abroad to experience the warmth, passion and competitive spirit that defines Ballina.”
The Box Cup will feature multiple male and female categories including Elite, Senior, Novice and Youth classes – with boxers matched in fair and competitive open-class bouts across standard weight divisions. Bouts will take place in knockout format: quarter-finals on Friday, semi-finals on Saturday, and finals on Sunday.
More than just a sporting event, the Wild Atlantic International Box Cup is set to have a wider economic and tourism benefit for the North Mayo region. Ballina – named Ireland’s Best Place to Live in 2023 – has recently emerged as a vibrant host for large-scale events and festivals, and this tournament is expected to draw hundreds of visitors to the area.
“Sporting events like the Wild Atlantic Box Cup are powerful ways to showcase all that Ballina and North Mayo have to offer – from our world-class hospitality to our thriving sporting community. We’re delighted to support Ballina Boxing Club in this exciting new venture,” said Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism.
With accommodation, dining, and social events to complement the sporting action, the Box Cup weekend will offer an unforgettable experience both inside and outside the ring.
