Amy Broadhurst says she is 'heartbroken' after her dreams of qualifying for the Olympic Games were dashed on Wednesday.
Defeat to Rosie Joy Eccles saw Broadhurst crash out of the European Games at the quarter-final stage and ended her chances of qualifying for next year's Olympics in Paris.
Having won the opening round, Broadhurst faltered in the second and third stanzas and was out on her feet by the end before eventually losing via split decision.
READ MORE: European Games LIVE - Kellie Harrington through as Amy Broadhurst crashes out
Reacting to the loss on social media, the Dundalk woman said she was heartbroken by the defeat and admitted that she was unsure whether she would ever fight as an amateur again.
"Heartbroken isn’t the word. I always thought my destiny was the Olympic Games, I believed I was born for boxing, I was to be an Olympic champion and that’s not the way it’s gone for me.
"I don’t know what’s next. I don’t know if I’ll ever strap an amateur glove around my hand again or if I’ll go pro.
"But I just want to say thank you to everyone who showed me support over the years. Thank you for standing by me thru the highs and lows thank you to my family and the Irish coaches for everything."
Broadhurst ended her post by congratulating her opponent, saying it was "your time."
It was always going to be a tough ask for Broadhurst who was competing in the 66kg division despite being a 60kg fighter by trade.
The 2022 World Champion in the 63kg division, a division which isn't held at the Olympic Games, had to step up a further three kilos in weight as Kellie Harrington fights at 60kg.
There are still two more chances for Broadhurst to qualify for the games before they kick off next Summer. However, it has been heavily rumoured that a number of professional promoters are interested in representing her on the professional scene, and as the 26-year-old alluded to herself, it is unknown whether she will stick in the amateur ranks or turn professional.
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