(APRIL 25) Ireland-born New Zealand citizen Commonwealth Games rep Erin Walsh has made a shocking announcement on her social media that she has retired from competition due to a serious eye injury, ending her 10-year boxing career.

Erin Walsh, who was considered one of the next biggest female boxing stars in New Zealand, made her announcement on social media that she will be retiring from boxing after suffering a long-term eye injury, ending her 10-year boxing career.

“Boxing has been my outlet and my happy place for all these years. The one thing that was there for me in every hard or dark time. It is still my happy place ❤️ but due to an eye injury I won’t be fighting anymore 💔 This obviously hurts my heart, fighting is all I’ve ever known.. but this is what is right and responsible”

Walsh started her amateur boxing career as an amateur in her home country of Ireland at the age of 15, starting at Tramore Boxing Club. She won multiple provincial titles, including three times County and Munster Titles and Irish national titles. She would eventually move to New Zealand and would train with Isaac and Alina Peach at Peach Boxing eight years ago. There, she would be a regular sparring partner to IBO World Super Bantamweight champion Mea Motu.

“Not to mention my status as a resident of NZ is secured because of my boxing achievements and the help of my coaches Isaac Peach and Alina Peach I’m part of the greatest and strongest team in boxing”

From New Zealand she would win two New Zealand Golden Gloves title, three New Zealand national amteur boxing champion and would represent New Zealand on the international stage including winning bronze at 2022 Thailand International Opens, winning silver at the 2023 Pacific Games which narrowingly missing out at the Olympic Qualifiers and represented New Zealand at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. She also holds victories over significant opponents, including Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist Tina Rahimi and Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist Troy Garton. It was expected that Walsh and Garton would have a significant rivalry, which would be the women's version of Joseph Parker vs Junior Fa.

“In my 10+ years of boxing I’ve had the honour of sharing the ring with some of the best boxers in the world. I’ve fought and trained in multiple countries which are some of my favourite life experiences.”

Erin would make her professional boxing debut in November 2023. Since then, she maintained a three-win undefeated streak with wins over international opponents, including those from Thailand Nantachat Wanpeng, from Fiji Sera Bolatini and New Zealand Tricia MacKenzie. It is predicted that she will win the New Zealand title this year; however, until her eye injury.

“I am so so grateful, you’ll never know how much it means! My biggest thanks to my team who made all of my amazing experiences possible Peach Boxing I love you guys, I’ll see you at the gym on Monday”

What's next for Walsh? It was confirmed by Isaac Peach that Walsh will now transition to becoming a boxing coach. Walsh ended with “More to come, it’s bye to fighting but not to boxing. Onto the next chapter…”

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