The Homecoming Queen Of Four Kings

Siofra with proud mum Sinead SAT2NOV24

aving landed the gold at last November’s World Junior Championships in Armenia, Siofra Lawless has said she held one distinct advantage over her opponents in the World Youth Championships this week.

The Greystones boxer believes that she wants that title more than anyone else there.

And at today’s final in Montenegro against Korea’s Pak Sin K, that belief was on full display. The idea of being the first boxer since Katie Taylor to win back-to-back world gold no doubt running through her head.

“I don’t feel like a favourite at this event,” she told Irish Boxing. “I feel like every other boxer is here with the same intention, they all want that gold medal. That said, I think I want it more. I worked harder; I do not think any of them have put the same effort and time in as I have…”

And to the chants of “There’s only one Siofra Lawless!”, the 17-year-old boxing wonder won her second gold this afternoon.

Siofra’s understandably emotional mum, Sinead, told the Guide on the day that she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter.

“She has put one hundred percent into preparing for these world championships, and we’re very aware that it takes a village to make a champion. We really appreciate all the messages of support that we’ve been getting, especially Temple Carrig School.

“We would like to thank Ste Coughlan, her coach, plus club mates and sparring partners at Four Kings Boxing Club in Kilcoole. Thanks also to the local businesses that have supported Siofra, and her sponsors, Glen Fuels, Garnett Stewart and Juspy.”

Nice. Congrats to Siofra on her latest medal haul, and to her fellow Greystonian at the championships, Tadhg O’Donnell, who won his first bout before his luck changed.

And on Tuesday, November 5th, Greystones rolled out the John McGowan was there…

Full gallery of hi-res pics here. You can find out more about Siofra Lawless here, and about Tadhg over here.