Irish boxing champ Amy Broadhurst switches to Britain in Paris Olympics bid

LONDON (AP) — A world champion for Ireland, boxer Amy Broadhurst will try to get to the Paris Olympics fighting for Britain.

The 27-year-old Broadhurst switched allegiance after not being selected by Ireland for the final Olympic qualifier in Bangkok. Instead, she’ll go to Thailand next month representing Britain.

British boxing officials made it official on Monday when they announced their contingent of fighters for Bangkok.

Broadhurst was born in Ireland but also holds a British passport through her English father.

“It has always been my dream to compete at the Olympic Games and I am very happy that I have been selected by GB Boxing to go to the final qualifying event in Thailand in May,” Broadhurst said in a statement.

A native of Dundalk, near the Northern Irish border, Broadhurst said last month she was “heartbroken” to be told by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association that she wouldn’t be considered for selection to Bangkok. She said she would be “exploring all options.”