Separate NI Boxing Club Would 'Heighten Sectarian Tensions'

The establishment of a separate boxing entity in Northern Ireland would further heighten the sectarian tensions that exist within the sport on an amateur level, according to a new report by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA).

The amateur sport in Northern Ireland has experienced "incidents of sectarianism and racism" the report also said.

The IABA carried out the report following allegations from the mainly Protestant Sandy Row Club in Belfast that its members had suffered sectarianism while boxing in nationalist areas.

Dr Duncan Morrow, a former chief executive of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, headed the group that produced the report.

He said that, despite the issues resulting from sectarianism in the all-Ireland club, "the creation of a separate federation for boxers in Northern Ireland would deepen and accelerate sectarian divisions."

The report said boxers from Northern Ireland should have the option of representing Great Britain in Olympic Games or other international tournaments, under the Good Friday Agreement.

Current Northern Ireland boxers can only represent Ireland in international competition unless they relocate to Great Britain.

It said procedures should be in place to tackle sectarianism and racism within the amateur sport and that penalties should be imposed on clubs for failing to enforce anti-sectarianism policy.

It advised against setting up a new Northern Ireland boxing governing body, but said a code of conduct must be developed surrounding flags and symbols.

Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the report.

"I welcome the report and recognise the work of the Independent Working Group in engaging with boxing clubs across the north to promote and sustain the sport," she said.

"But it is important to acknowledge the good work which goes on throughout the sport of boxing. As well as providing health and emotional wellbeing benefits, it has broken down divisions and brought people together. Its impact goes beyond individuals and into the wider community.

"This report was dealing with a small minority of cases, based on factors which originate outside the sport, and usually prompted by those with no interest in boxing. It should not undermine the positivity within boxing, nor take away from the hundreds of people who have found it a positive force for good."

Minister Ní Chuilín continued: "It is clear that there is no room for sectarianism in sport and the IABA must take the necessary actions to address this issue. While issues of national identity are a matter for the individual athlete, it is important that such issues do not disenfranchise our stars of the future from progressing through their sport."

(IT/CD)