Zaur Antia Resigns from Irish Athletic Boxing Association
Zaur Antia, who has led the Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s high performance unit for a decade, has announced his resignation at the age of 63. A prominent figure in the realm of Irish boxing for over 20 years, Antia’s coaching career culminated in the recent 2025 World Boxing Championships, where Team Ireland celebrated a victory thanks to Aoife O’Rourke’s gold medal, alongside bronze medalists Grainne Walsh and Patsy Joyce.
Antia’s Journey in Boxing
Antia’s journey began when he emigrated from Georgia in 2003 to take on a role as a Technical Coach for the newly-formed High Performance Unit. He ascended to the position of head coach in 2016, where he has since played an instrumental role in securing 35 Olympic qualifications across five Games, which include Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. This impressive feat resulted in a total of 10 Olympic medals, complemented by numerous accolades at the World Championships.
Highlights of Antia’s Tenure
His tenure has not been without remarkable highlights: Olympic golds were won by champions such as Kellie Harrington in both Paris and Tokyo, with Paddy Barnes clinching double bronze in Beijing and London, and Katie Taylor also capturing gold.
Under Antia’s guidance, Irish competitors further amassed 15 medals at the European Games and secured a total of 50 European Elite medals from 2004 onwards.
Antia’s Reflection on His Career
Expressing his fondness for the sport, Antia reflected,
“I am very privileged to have been able to spend so many years doing a job I have loved. Watching young athletes with big dreams enter the gym has been inspiring. Ireland has welcomed me as family, and its boxers have fueled my passion. It has been an honor to support them through their challenges and victories.”
Looking Ahead
As boxing enthusiasts look forward to upcoming events, the impact of Antia’s leadership on the sport in Ireland will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
