Irish Boxer Kellie Harrington Plans December Comeback After Olympic Retirement

Kellie Harrington, the two-time Olympic gold medallist in boxing, has announced she is coming out of retirement with an exhibition match scheduled for December 2 at the Mansion House. Although she retired after her 2024 Olympic victory in Paris, Harrington has reflected on her passion for boxing and decided to return to competition, with her immediate goal being the Irish National Elite Championships in January. At 35 years old, she remains fit and healthy despite some minor niggles, and she is taking her comeback one fight at a time without making any firm commitments about future Olympics. Harrington expressed that normal life after the Olympics did not suit her and she enjoys the sport too much to stay retired. While she is not explicitly targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Games, she has not ruled out the possibility and remains open to the idea. Harrington's return marks a significant moment in Irish boxing, as she could become only the second Irish athlete to medal at three separate Olympic Games if she competes successfully at LA 2028.