Aidan Walsh has called time on his boxing career after 17 years in the sport
Aidan Walsh has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 28. The Belfast boxer brings the curtain down on a glittering 17-year career.
A double Olympian and Olympic medallist, Walsh, who has bravely opened up on his struggles in the sport, now hopes to provide support for other fighters. He is currently studying a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
The Holy Family fighter claimed bronze in the welterweight division at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. He did not get the opportunity to compete for silver after fracturing his right ankle following his victory over Merven Clair of Mauritius at the quarter-final stage.
“Sport’s been good to me. Sport Ireland has been good to me, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, SportNI and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have been really good to me,” said Walsh. “Above all, regardless of medal success or any type of achievement, I think it’s the relationships that I’ve made that really mean the most and are what I’ve come to appreciate more than the medals. When I talk about that, I get quite emotional.
“I’ve felt very lucky in my career I’ve had really good people around me. I’ve been really blessed. I’d like to think those relationships will continue to flourish over the next two thirds of my life.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
Walsh also paid tribute to his sister Michaela, who he competed alongside at two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games. He continued: “One highlight is to do with my sister. In the moment, it’s hard to appreciate those moments but looking back now, to do all that, to go to all of those countries, to go to two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games with my sister it’s just an absolute privilege. It’s something that I hope to tell my kids and grandkids. I couldn’t have done it without Michaela being there, without my family.”
In a statement on social media, the Irish Athletic Boxing Association said: “Double Olympian and Olympic medalist Aidan Walsh has announced his retirement from boxing, bringing to a close a glittering 17-year career representing his club, county, and country with distinction.
“Aidan has competed at the highest levels of boxing and etched his name into the annals of Irish sporting history with a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, his memorable victory over Merven Clair of Mauritius in the quarter-finals standing as one of Ireland’s great Olympic moments. In June 2024, he became a double Olympian, qualifying for the Paris Games. Aidan is also a multiple Commonwealth Games medalist, winning gold at the 2015 Youth Games, silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Games, and gold in Birmingham in 2022.”
In tribute to Walsh, Irish High Performance Head Coach Zauri Antia said: “I have coached Aidan in the High Performance Unit for almost 7 years. He is a very special boxer. His style is unique: technical, skillful and swift. His work ethic is incredible, his focus is deep, and he gave everything to his training and competing.
“To become a two-time Olympian and multiple Commonwealth Games medalist is extraordinary. Aidan leaves a legacy of boxing excellence. More important that his achievements is the fact he is a special person. I am very proud of him and proud to know him.”
High Performance Director Jon Mackey added: “Aidan’s contribution to Irish boxing is immense. We owe him a debt of gratitude, not only for his achievements in Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, but for the sheer joy of watching him box.
“Although his retirement coincides with my arrival, I can already see his influence in athletes like his sister Michaela, and in rising talents such as Patsy Joyce.
“Aidan’s willingness to share his experience and knowledge will continue to shape the culture of High Performance boxing. I wish him every success in his retirement.”
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