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21 October 2025, 07:14 BST
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) says it “welcomes” a report from the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland and “accepts its recommendations in full”.
A report commissioned as part of an August 2024 legal settlement between Daryl Clarke and the Ulster Boxing Council (UBC) found work is still required to address issues regarding neutral spaces in amateur boxing.
In the report, the flying of flags and “contentious symbols” was highlighted as an area to address, with the drafting of a code of conduct encouraged.
Other issues raised included the lack of support for new clubs, selection processes for international teams, cross-community representation in positions of power and the need to formalise complaint procedures, yet it also commended areas where those in boxing have sought to develop a safe space for all.
Paul Johnston, head coach at Monkstown ABC, believes Clarke was “fully vindicated” by the report.
“We welcome this report, we’re fully supportive of Daryl’s case & believe he was fully vindicated,” a statement from Johnston, who was Clarke’s coach, said.
“We now look forward to working with the IABA in the implementation of the Equality Commission’s recommendations.”
In a statement to BBC Sport, the IABA said it “rejects any form of discrimination or sectarianism” and that boxing brings people together from different communities.
“We are pleased that the Commission has recognised the extensive work already underway to strengthen equality, inclusion, and good relations across boxing in Ulster, Northern Ireland and indeed throughout the whole island of Ireland,” said the IABA.
“Boxing has a long and proud record of bringing people together from all communities, and the report highlights the “meaningful work boxing clubs do to promote good relations within their communities”.
“The IABA fully rejects any form of discrimination or sectarianism and remains committed to ensuring that boxing continues to provide a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for everyone.
“We will continue working closely with the Ulster Boxing Council, Sport NI, and the Equality Commission to deliver the report’s recommendations and maintain boxing’s vital role in uniting communities across Northern Ireland.”
‘Concerns selection criteria not properly established’
Monkstown ABC boxer Clarke, who won the 2020 Ulster Elite light-welterweight title, claimed he had been discriminated against for selection to the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to his religious background. In a 2024 settlement, he was paid a five-figure sum with no admission of liability from the IABA or UBC.
Included in his argument was how the team was selected as due to injury, he missed out on the 2021 championships and expected a box-off to decide the place on the NI team. Instead, an assessment camp was used, which he felt gave an advantage to boxers selected for sparring camps at the High Performance Unit.
The Commission felt “there are ongoing concerns that selection criteria are not being properly established or communicated to those involved well in advance of competitions”.
Among the report’s key recommendations, a formal selection process for Glasgow 2026 has been urged.
The Ulster Council has already indicated the 2026 Ulster Elite Championships, due to take place this December, will be the “key event to inform the selection process”.
‘Protocol on flags and emblems incomplete’
Allegations of sectarianism and racism made by Sandy Row ABC prompted a report in 2012.
Out of 12 Independent Working Group recommendations, Sport NI reported on 10 with nine deemed complete.
Incomplete was the recommendation the IABA develop a protocol and code of conduct around the flying of flags and contentious symbols at boxing bouts, while there was a recommendation surrounding the venues used for competition to ensure they are safe and neutral spaces.
Although this had been implemented for championship events, the UBC argued “insufficient funding presented a significant obstacle to broader application of this measure” for inter-club shows.
The latest report was commissioned to identify “practices that may create barriers to equal opportunities, ensure fair participation and representation from all communities, and take proactive steps to open up opportunities where obstacles exist” as there were concerns there was no formal procedure for the reporting of harassment or discrimination.
There are also recommendations to offer support to new clubs through a club development officer, plus steps taken to encourage fair participation from both main communities in the governance and daily operations of boxing in Ulster.
It has also called for the establishment of an oversight panel to ensure all recommendations are progressed within 18 months.
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