Posted online: Apr 2nd, 2008

A trail-blazing female boxing referee from Inishowen has been selected to officiate at the Olympic qualifiers in Athens next Monday.

Sadie Duffy, of Illies Golden Gloves ABC, will judge the cream of the world’s amateur fighters as they make their final bid to qualify for this year’s Beijing Olympics.

Sadie, of Cleenagh, Buncrana, is said to be the sole female referee/judge at the event.

The honour marks yet another step up the career ladder for one of boxing’s finest ambassadors, who last year broke the mould when she officiated at the World Cadet Championships in Azerbaijain.

She told Inish Times Sport: “Each country sends one official to Athens, and I am delighted to be representing Ireland.

“When the national registrar Stephen Connolly asked me to take part I couldn’t believe it.

“I’ve had a look at the list of referees, and as far as I can make out I’m the only female.

“But whether I’m the only one or not doesn’t really matter, to be honest.

“What’s important is that there aren’t many female officials at world level, so the more opportunities we can get the better it is for the promotion of the sport as a whole.”

Sadly, the judges have already been selected for the Beijing Games, but Sadie is hoping her performance in Athens can influence selectors ahead of the London Olympics in 2012.

She said: “It would be a dream come true to take part in the London Games. I was hoping to be considered for the women’s boxing that will take place there, but it would be great to participate in the men’s event as well.

“It’s all about the preparation, so hopefully I’ll do well next week in Athens.

“I’m quite nervous about it. This is the last chance saloon for fighters wanting to make it to Beijing, so as a judge there’s a lot of pressure to get things right.

“But if I can come away thinking I did the best I could for the fighters, then I’ll be more than happy.”