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Two-time Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington has confirmed she is to come out of retirement.
The Dubliner won lightweight gold at the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo and retained her title at the 2024 Paris Games.
Following her win in the final against China's Yang Wenlu at Stade Roland Garros, Harrington announced her retirement from boxing having made history as the first Irish boxer to win gold medals at two Olympics.
However, there had been reports the 35-year-old was back in training and speaking to the Irish Times, external, said it is her intention to compete in January's Irish Elite Championships having made the decision to return to the ring.
"I've had a year of living somewhat normal and normal is not for me. It's just not for me, for now." she said.
"I'll be 36 in December. So, why not? I'm saying nothing about the [next] Olympics or anything like that. Everybody knows me. I'll never say anything about winning or going to the Olympics. I always look at one fight at a time, one competition at a time. And that's exactly what I'm doing.
"But I do just think, imagine if I didn't give it another go. I'm fit, I'm kind of healthy. I have a few niggles at the moment but in general I'm healthy. So why wouldn't I?"
Harrington will first step through the ropes in Dublin in December for a night of exhibition boxing before then turning her attention to January's Irish Elite Championships where she will seek a 12th title.
Should that materialise, then it will likely open the door for a shot at next year's Olympic qualifiers.
"It's all small steps and small steps before the biggest step of them all," she added.
"The biggest step is the qualifiers in 2027, in Istanbul in Turkey, probably in July. Not thinking too far ahead or anything, but that's only a blink of an eye away really. And look, it could be all over by January anyway. I'll never look past the Nationals because anything can happen."
Harrington had not fully left boxing behind her after Paris, helping out with sparring at Ireland's High Performance Unit.
Her return has been welcomed by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association [IABA] who said they are "honoured" to support her decision.
"IABA's High Performance Unit has supported Kellie with an individualised training programme over the last year as she tapered down post-Paris, which assisted her in working with teammates and High Performance coaches," said High Performance Director Jon Mackey.
"She's remained active, and very much part of High Performance life over the last 12 months.
"We're delighted Kellie has made the decision to return to the ring, and contest for her 12th Elite title next January at the home of Irish Boxing, and to prepare for that with a special event at the Mansion House on 2 December.
"We've supported Kellie through every decision she's made about her career over the last 15 years, and we're honoured to continue to do so."
