Bantamweight choice proves worthwhile for returning Lauren Hogan

Lauren Hogan came back with a bang on Saturday night.

The two-time Irish light flyweight champion, following a year out with injuries, returned in the National Elite Senior Championships at the unfamiliar weight of bantam and claimed her third title with a dominant display.

The St Brigid’s Edenderry boxer, despite a size disadvantage, overpowered Mandy Loughlin over three rounds, proving too strong for the St Michael’s Inchicore fighter and forcing a knockdown, which wasn’t counted, in the final stanza.

With injuries and a subsequent illness, Hogan was entered at the heavier weight of 54kgm but the Meath fighter made sure not to let the daunting jump of two weights get the better of her.

“I just wanted to get in there and make sure it was all worth it,” the 21-year-old told Irish-Boxing.com.

“It was tougher, it was a heavier weight, and a lot of stuff went on in the last month or two for me.”

“I feel a lot stronger at this weight – well, it shouldn’t be my weight, it should be 51kg. At 54kg I was fit, and it was the best for tonight.”

Club coach Liam Brereton notes how the Olympic weight of 51kg is the long-term plan going forward but is hopeful for a year of learning beforehand, with European and World Championships on the horizon.

“It’s going to be 51kg,” he explained. “It was great to be in there, with the sickness. We were sick, big time. We said we’d give it a go at 54kg but we’ll be back at 51kg for the next Elites.”

“Whatever we’re picked for, we’ll go to. We can only get stronger.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)