Zauri Antia: Legacy of Excellence in Irish Boxing - Transitioning from Head Coach to Consultant Zauri Antia, a prominent figure in Irish boxing, has left an indelible mark on the sport through his exceptional coaching career. As he transitions from the role of head coach to consultant, Zauri aims to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to continue shaping the future of boxing in Ireland. His commitment to excellence and passion for the sport ensure that his legacy will endure as...
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After over two decades of dedicated service, Zauri Antia has stepped down as head coach of the Irish boxing team. During his tenure, he significantly contributed to one of the sport’s most successful eras in Ireland. Under his leadership, Irish boxers won ten medals across six Olympic Games, adding to the nation’s impressive total of nineteen medals.
Reflecting on his journey, Antia cherishes the moments of celebration. One highlight was the exhilarating night at Roland Garros when Kellie Harrington secured her second consecutive Olympic gold. He recalled the joyous dance that followed her victory, underscoring the camaraderie he built with the athletes.
“Remember the dancing at the Olympics?” he remarked, referring to the lively atmosphere. “Kellie’s performance was fantastic, and I hope to continue dancing in the future,” he added, emphasizing the multitude of memories that shaped his experience.
The transformative journey of Irish boxing
Antia’s journey began in 2003 when he joined the high-performance unit, overcoming a language barrier. His collaboration with head coach Billy Walsh and high-performance director Gary Keegan proved pivotal in elevating Irish boxing. The emergence of exceptional talents such as Katie Taylor, Paddy Barnes, and Michael Conlan laid the groundwork for future generations, with Antia’s strategic insights being crucial to their success.
Following Walsh’s departure and the disappointing results at the Rio 2016 Olympics, Antia found solace in the progress the team achieved. “I am at peace with the journey I’ve had,” he stated, expressing satisfaction with the legacy he leaves behind. “The relationships built with the athletes are invaluable, and while it’s challenging to step away, I leave knowing that Irish boxing has a bright future.”
Antia’s future and the potential of Irish boxing
In January, Antia will transition to a consultancy role with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA), marking a new chapter in his career. He emphasizes that the sport requires robust governmental support to thrive, especially in the competitive global boxing landscape. “Countries with significant budgets and resources have an advantage,” he noted, highlighting the necessity for Ireland to enhance its support for boxing at all levels.
Antia stresses the importance of investing in youth programs, asserting, “We must ensure that young boxers in our cities are nurtured and not lost to the sport.” His commitment to developing young talent underscores the foundation for future success in Irish boxing.
Looking ahead: A bright future for Irish boxing
Despite receiving offers from various international teams throughout his career, Antia chose to remain in Ireland, inspired by the supportive environment and the potential he saw in the boxers. “The enthusiasm and dedication of the athletes made my decision easy,” he explained. “There was a spark in their eyes that inspired me to push forward and find new ways to help them succeed.”
He acknowledges that while the journey included challenges, such as the setbacks faced in Rio, the lessons learned have strengthened the team. “Every setback taught us valuable lessons that we carried into future competitions,” he reflected.
Antia’s hopes for the next generation
As he departs from his position, Antia is confident that his successor, Damian Kennedy, is well-prepared to lead the team. “Damian has been an integral part of our coaching staff and has shown exceptional leadership qualities,” he stated. “With a strong team behind him, including talented coaches like James Doyle and Eoin Pluck, I am confident that Irish boxing will continue to flourish.”
With promising prospects like Patsy Joyce, who recently earned a bronze medal at the World Championships, the future of Irish boxing looks bright. Additionally, the potential return of Kellie Harrington for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics gives Antia hope for continued success. “Kellie has the strength and determination to achieve another gold medal,” he asserted, confident in her abilities.
Reflecting on his journey, Antia cherishes the moments of celebration. One highlight was the exhilarating night at Roland Garros when Kellie Harrington secured her second consecutive Olympic gold. He recalled the joyous dance that followed her victory, underscoring the camaraderie he built with the athletes. “Remember the dancing at the Olympics?” he remarked, referring to the lively atmosphere. “Kellie’s performance was fantastic, and I hope to continue dancing in the future,” he added, emphasizing the multitude of memories that shaped his experience.0
