Remarkable Ballymena teen boxer Decosta Gillen crowned All-Ireland champion again

Decosta in the ring!

A Ballymena teenager is continuing her remarkable rise in Irish boxing after claiming another All-Ireland title — and setting her sights firmly on the international stage.

Fifteen-year-old Decosta Gillen delivered a standout performance at the National Stadium in Dublin last weekend, securing the National Boy/Girl 4 Championship with a dominant unanimous victory.

Competing in the 61kg category, the Corpus Christi Boxing Club athlete defeated Grace Fenlon of Paulstown with a convincing 5-0 decision, underlining her growing reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young prospects.

A growing legacy at just 15

Fifteen-year-old Decosta with an ever-growing list of accolades and titles

Decosta’s latest triumph adds to an already extraordinary list of achievements for someone so early in her career.

She is now a two-time All-Ireland champion, six-time Ulster champion and six-time County Antrim champion. Her success also stretches beyond Ireland, having claimed victory at the prestigious Golden Girls Tournament in Sweden and the Cúchulainn International Box Cup, as well as becoming a two-time Halloween Box Cup champion.

Her talent has already taken her across Europe, including competitive bouts in Italy last year — and 2026 is shaping up to be even busier.

From Ballymena to the world stage

Training several days a week with Corpus Christi Boxing Club in Belfast and across other locations, Decosta’s commitment is evident in her rapid progression.

Her schedule for the months ahead reflects her rising status in the sport. She is set to travel with the County Antrim team to Cyprus and Spain, compete in major UK tournaments including the Manchester Box Cup, and take part in international bouts in both the UK and the United States.

In October, she will step into the ring in Las Vegas and San Francisco — a major milestone for any young athlete.

School and community pride

Back home, her success is a source of pride for her school and community.

A spokesperson for Dunclug College said:

“We are incredibly proud to have such a talented and dedicated athlete representing Dunclug College.”

Eyes on the Commonwealth Games

Despite her already impressive medal haul, Decosta’s ambitions stretch even further.

With her focus now on the 2030 Commonwealth Games, she is currently training with an elite squad as she works towards representing Northern Ireland on one of sport’s biggest stages.

Busy months ahead

There is little time to celebrate, however, with her next bout just around the corner. Decosta will compete at the Beautiful Brawlers event on Sunday, March 29 in Newark, England, where she faces Safiya Herish of Athena Select.

June will bring further high-level competition, including the Big Box Cup in Manchester — regarded as a major showcase of top amateur talent across the British Isles — as well as the Global Glove Development Box Cup.

With a packed calendar and international opportunities continuing to grow, Decosta Gillen’s journey is only just beginning — and Ballymena will be watching every step of the way.

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At a glance

• Ballymena boxer Decosta Gillen wins National Boy/Girl 4 Championship

• Secured victory with a 5-0 unanimous decision over Grace Fenlon

• Competes in the 61kg category for Corpus Christi Boxing Club

• Now a two-time All-Ireland champion

• Also a six-time Ulster and County Antrim champion

• International wins include Golden Girls Sweden and Cúchulainn Box Cup

• Upcoming competitions across UK, Europe and USA in 2026

• Next fight scheduled for March 29 in Newark, England

• Training with elite squad targeting 2030 Commonwealth Games

• Widely recognised as a rising star in Irish boxing