Jenny Lehane Sets Ambitious Goals for World Boxing Championships

Jenny Lehane is poised to make her mark at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool next week, buoyed by her recent experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite not medaling at the Games, the Rathdown bantamweight believes that her Olympic journey has instilled a newfound confidence and ambition as she prepares to compete on a global stage.

Lehane’s Olympic experience was a pivotal moment in her career. She faced the reigning Olympic champion in the first round, a challenge she believes confirmed her place among the elite in boxing. “Once it all worked out and I qualified… coming up against the Olympic champion, kind of proved to myself that I did belong in the ring with the best of the best,” she reflected. This encounter, although a loss, reinforced her belief that she is capable of competing at the highest level.

Building on Olympic Lessons

The 27-year-old feels that witnessing fellow Irish boxer Kellie Harrington secure a gold medal has further fueled her aspirations. “Even seeing Kellie Harrington going on to win the gold: bigger dreams are set in my mind now,” Lehane stated, indicating her desire to reach the podium in Liverpool.

Lehane is part of a robust Irish contingent of 17 boxers heading to the championships. She is set to begin her campaign on Thursday and has her sights firmly set on a medal. “My first fight is next Thursday and hopefully going forward from that, we will get onto a medal stage,” she said, demonstrating her determination to achieve significant results.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics already on her radar, Lehane emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus in high-stakes competitions. “Right now, I am focused on that next chapter, which is LA 2028. I suppose all I can do is focus on what I can do in the ring,” she explained, underscoring the need for a disciplined mindset.

Staying Grounded in Competition

Lehane recognizes that keeping her focus narrow is essential during major competitions. “All you can do is your best. If you let your mind wander off to external things that you can’t control, your mind can go in a spiral,” she advised, highlighting the mental discipline required for success in the sport.

As the World Boxing Championships approach, Jenny Lehane’s Olympic experience has not only shaped her confidence but also ignited her ambitions. With a clear goal in sight, she aims to prove herself on the world stage and pave the way for her future endeavors in boxing.