IABA Accepts Equality Commission Recommendations Following Ulster Boxing Review

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has accepted all recommendations from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland following a report into equality, selection transparency, and inclusion across Ulster boxing. The report follows a legal settlement with boxer Daryl Clarke and calls for new measures to ensure fairness, neutrality, and community representation within the sport.

IABA Welcomes Equality Report

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has confirmed it “welcomes” the findings of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and “accepts its recommendations in full.”

The report was commissioned as part of an August 2024 legal settlement between Monkstown ABC boxer Daryl Clarke and the Ulster Boxing Council (UBC). While recognising progress, the review concluded that more work is required to ensure neutrality and equality in amateur boxing across Northern Ireland.

Areas Highlighted for Improvement

The report identified several areas needing attention, including:

• The flying of flags and contentious symbols at events, urging a formal code of conduct
• A lack of support for new boxing clubs
• Unclear selection processes for international competitions
• Insufficient cross-community representation in leadership roles
• The need for a formalised complaints procedure

Despite these concerns, the report also commended ongoing efforts to create inclusive environments and praised local clubs for their “meaningful work promoting good relations within communities.”

IABA Response: “Committed to a Safe and Inclusive Sport”

The IABA welcomed the recognition of ongoing work to strengthen equality, inclusion, and community relations across the island.

“Boxing has a proud record of bringing people together from all backgrounds,” the statement said. “The IABA fully rejects any form of discrimination or sectarianism and remains committed to ensuring boxing provides a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for everyone.”

The association confirmed it will continue working closely with the Ulster Boxing Council, Sport NI, and the Equality Commission to deliver all recommendations and maintain boxing’s role in uniting communities.

Daryl Clarke Case: Concerns Over Selection Transparency

The review followed a legal settlement involving boxer Daryl Clarke, who alleged religious discrimination after being overlooked for selection to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Clarke, the 2020 Ulster Elite light-welterweight champion, claimed that a lack of transparency disadvantaged him. After missing the 2021 championships due to injury, he expected a box-off to decide team places. Instead, an assessment camp was held — which he argued favoured those already involved in High Performance Unit sparring sessions.

In 2024, Clarke received a five-figure settlement with no admission of liability from the IABA or UBC.

The Commission concluded that selection criteria are not always properly communicated to athletes and called for a formal, transparent process ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Ulster Boxing Council has since confirmed that the 2026 Ulster Elite Championships, taking place this December, will be the “key event to inform the selection process.”

Historic Context: Flags, Venues, and Equality Protocols

Issues around sectarianism and equality in boxing date back to a 2012 investigation, initiated after allegations by Sandy Row ABC.

Out of 12 recommendations made by an Independent Working Group, nine were completed, with progress reported on ten. However, a protocol on flags and emblems remains unfinished.

While neutral venues are now used for championship events, the UBC noted that limited funding prevents the same approach for smaller inter-club shows.

The latest review sought to identify and remove barriers to equal opportunity, ensure fair participation, and establish a formal reporting mechanism for discrimination or harassment.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Equality in Ulster Boxing

The Equality Commission’s recommendations include:

• Appointing a Club Development Officer to support emerging clubs
• Increasing cross-community representation in boxing governance
• Establishing an oversight panel to ensure all recommendations are implemented within 18 months

Both the IABA and the Commission reaffirmed their commitment to making amateur boxing in Northern Ireland an example of unity, fairness, and inclusion.