“I’m not leaving it behind me” – Returning Lauren Hogan vows to complete Elite hat-trick

After a frustrating 2017, Lauren Hogan is back and aiming to claim a third Elite Senior title.

Light flyweight champion in 2015 and 2016, Hogan missed last year’s tournament but the St Brigid’s Edenderry boxer is back for this weekend’s tournament where she will go straight into the bantamweight final.

Injuries were what kept the 21-year-out for so long, but Hogan is finally feeling fit and healthy at 54kg.

The Meath fighter told Irish-Boxing.com that “ongoing injury made me miss last years Elites but we have kept it at bay this year with a lot of extra work put in!”

“The weight change was discussed between myself and my coaches, we decided 48kg was no longer an option as it was too much of a struggle.”

“We initially had decided on 51kg as it’s the Olympic weight and I would feel a lot stronger at it but, due to being sick for just under a month – which is the reason I had to pull out of the U22s – and family matters coming up meaning I had to leave to say my goodbyes, we made the jump up to bantamweight.”

“I feel strong and I have been able to shake off the sickness as I didn’t have to worry about losing weight. My fighting style hasn’t changed much, I’ve just concentrated on perfecting the bad habits.”

In the final, the European Youth bronze medalist will face Amanda Loughlin from the St Michael’s club in Dublin. An unfamiliar foe, Hogan is not worried and has vowed to claim a hat-trick of Irish Senior title wins.

Hogan outlined how “I don’t know much about my opponent, I’ve never seen her box before, I’ve heard a few things but everyone boxes different on the night so I’ll figure her out when we are in the ring.”

“I’m hoping to be able to box but that could change on the night – if I have to fight in close I’m ready to do that.”

“I’m prepared for any last minute changes to get me my third Elite titl.e I’ve worked hard and kept concentrated on it even when times got tough.”

“I’m not leaving it behind me.”