Irish boxers looking abroad for boxing licences amid calls for BUI to drop sanctioning fees

A number of Irish boxers are considering not renewing their BUI [Boxing Union of Ireland] boxing licences and will look for certification further afield once boxing resumes, Irish-boxing.com understands.

The Boxing Union of Ireland’s sanctioning fees have come under question again over the weekend.

Ireland’s most prolific promoters, outside of Belfast, Boxing Ireland, claim that the governing bodies charges are the ‘reason boxing is dead’ outside of booming Belfast.

Costs have been promoter’s primary grumble for the last decade, but none bar Jay Byrne went public with the gripe, up and until now. Indeed, the recent public complaints seem to have galvanised those not content with the Irish governing body.

Come on @boxingunionIRL you must step up here in all fairness. Irish professional boxing is relying on you! https://t.co/rkwREsfsXj

— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@eric_donovan60) May 31, 2020

In my view the single biggest barrier to professional boxing taking off in Ireland is the administration of the BUI. Over the last 4 years there have been opportunities squandered by the BUI… why?

— Cillian Reardon (@cillianreardon) May 29, 2020

Fighters have complained with regard not having any shows on which to try make a living, while an anonymous Twitter account calling for change – which categorically has nothing to do with Irish-Boxing.com – has ruffled feathers

Now, Irish-boxing.com have been informed a potential group of fighters will look abroad for sanctioning.

Not happy with the lack of opportunities to fight in Ireland, a number, suggested to be as high as 10, will look beyond the 26 counties to secure their licences.

A source involved in the management of Irish fighters had told Irish-Boxing.com that “I would go as far as saying four boxers have left the BUI as it stands because of issues and what they regard unprofessional behaviour. I am aware of up to 10 more who are set to leave and a larger group considering their options.”

The number of boxers currently holding BUI licences is unclear, with no list freely available. There are currently 108 ‘active’ Irish pro boxers (who have fought in the last 12 months) but many would hold British, Australian, Californian, or New York licences.

Formerly under the wing of the BUI, Celtic champion Victor Rabei, Dylan Moran and Vladimir Belujsky have all taken licences further afield.

Moran has relocated his training to Liechtenstein having teamed up with Pitt Glem, so it’s understandable he has gone the German route.

Cork’s Belujsky has taken opportunities on the road, but has given up his Irish title hopes by taking a Slovak licence, while Rabei, who has signed for Star Boxing in America, is also operating with a German licence.

All three were scheduled to be on an October show set for Belfast before it was pulled by the BBBofC – allegedly after conversations with the BUI.

All three were also aligned with Assassin Promotions at one time and the Boxing Union of Ireland would have legitimate concerns regarding the former promotional outfit.

Regardless, all three fighters are no longer Assassin promoted and had Irish title hopes, but still felt the need to look elsewhere for licensing.

With a limited number of shows in the South and little opportunity to fight at home, others are looking to follow suit.