Ulster Junior Boxing Championships - Derry Qualifying Heats

An evening of competitive amateur boxing comes to Bishop Street when Derry Boxing Club hosts the Ulster Junior Boxing Championships qualifying heats. This is proper championship sport - young boxers from across Ulster putting months of training to the test in front of a ringside crowd. If you follow amateur boxing, or simply want to watch skilled young athletes compete with heart, this is a good evening out.

What to expect

The card covers youth and junior categories, with competitors ranging from under-15 up through under-21 age groups, matched across multiple weight divisions from light to heavy. Qualifying heats work through the bracket over the course of the evening, with the night building toward the final bouts. Bouts are officiated under Ulster Boxing Council rules with professional refereeing and licensed judges at ringside. The standard is high - clubs affiliated to the Ulster Boxing Council compete at regional and national level, and the junior pathway has produced boxers who go on to represent Ireland. Doors open at 5:30pm, with the first bout at 6:00pm. Expect a full card across several hours.

Getting there

Derry sits in the northwest of the island, well connected by road from Belfast on the A6 - roughly 70 miles, about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Dublin, take the M1/A1 to Newry then continue north via Dungiven, around 2 hours 30 minutes. Translink operates regular bus and rail services from Belfast; the train runs to Derry (Londonderry) station on Great James Street, about a 10-minute walk from Bishop Street. From the Republic, Bus Eireann and Translink Goldline coaches connect Derry to Sligo, Galway and Dublin. Bishop Street is a main route through the historic city centre, within easy reach of the walled city on foot. Street parking is available in the surrounding streets; allow extra time on a Saturday evening.

While you’re in Derry

Bishop Street sits just inside or alongside the famous city walls - a walk along the top of the walls costs nothing and gives a clear view over the Bogside and out toward the River Foyle. The city has good food and a lively pub scene within a short walk of the venue. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Saturday 22 August 2026, 6:00pm start (doors 5:30pm)
• Admission: GBP 8
• Organised by Ulster Boxing / Derry Boxing Club
• Check ulsterboxing.org for any schedule updates
• Ringside seating is limited - arriving close to doors open is advisable