Caoimhin Connolly has World goal for 2026 after stellar start to new season

Caoimhin Connolly has targeted a World Championships spot next year as he looks to continue his rise in boxing.

The Twin Towns Boxing Club man enjoyed an exhibition bout with Conan McSorely from Newtownstewart on the undercard of the Rumble In The Hills, Rising Stars show in Letterkenny.

“Classic experience there, really enjoyed it,” Connolly enthused afterwards.

“The whole lead up to it, just the changing room, getting the hands taped and stuff, a lot of things different than what I am used to.”

The previous weekend, Connolly won gold at the Boxam Junior/Youth Tournament in Spain, defeating Edgar Morales from Mexico in the 50kgs final on a unanimous decision. That followed a trip to the United States with the Bridges Beyond Boxing programme.

“Six weeks into the season, I've already had five fights and a couple of exhibitions in between,” Connolly said. “It’s a good way to be, it keeps me busy and keeps me sharp. I want to improve myself. 

“It's really enjoyable, getting to see the world too, just different experiences, different styles out there as well, so I'm loving it.

“I'm just back from Spain, where I won a gold medal, and next week there is no rest; Im out at the Belfast Box Cup, and I think there are six or seven in the weight. Hopefully I’ll get another few fights there.”

Connolly was the Irish Youth 48kgs champion in January when beating Kinsella and he lost out to Kinsella in a later U19 final.

On Saturday evening, Connolly and McSorely went over four rounds at the Aura Leisure Complex.

He said: “I found it was more enjoyable and relaxing. Obviously in a fight you're there to win, out there to do good, but I was able to just work on a couple of things. It just felt like being in an exhibition there was less pressure and stuff and I was able to take it in a lot better.

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“My main goal this side of Christmas now is the Nine Counties in November, so everything else is just banking experience before that. 

“Hopefully next year, my target for the season is to go to the World Championships, represent Ireland and hopefully bring a medal home there. I’ll probably have the Irish U19s in January or February, so that's what I'm working towards.”