Debrecen4U February 18, 2026

Prospective Olympians to Compete in Debrecen

Between March 17 and 21, 2026, Debrecen will host the 70th International István Bocskai Memorial Boxing Tournament. The anniversary competition will welcome elite boxers from Hungary and abroad, including several athletes who could be contenders for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

At the press conference introducing the event, István Kovács, President of the Hungarian Boxing Association, emphasized that the Bocskai Memorial Tournament has traditions that are unique worldwide and holds a prominent place in the international competition calendar. So far, entries have been received from 11 countries for this year’s tournament. “It will be worth noting the names of the finalists, because I am sure that several of them will be among the medalists or champions at the 2028 Olympics. Every year, the Bocskai produces competitors who later rank among the very best at the world’s most prestigious events,” said István Kovács.

The Debrecen audience will also be able to cheer for local athletes. DVSC boxer László Bernáth won a bronze medal last year, and this year his goal is to reach the final. As he said, it is a special experience for him to compete in front of a home crowd. “It is always a great experience to step into the ring at the Bocskai, since we can box at home in front of Hungarian supporters. Moreover, the strength of the tournament is shown by the fact that in my very first bout I faced an Olympian and world championship medalist. This is a huge motivation for Hungarian competitors,” László Bernáth stated.

Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa spoke about the fact that Debrecen will again provide all necessary support for organizing the tournament this year. “Each year, the city provides the venue, the Oláh Gábor Street Sports Hall, free of charge. In addition, we assist in ensuring the technical conditions and also help provide accommodation and meals for the participants,” the deputy mayor said.

At the end of the press conference, István Kovács and Lajos Barcsa signed the agreement necessary for hosting the event. As a closing moment, the former Olympic, world, and European champion boxer signed a pair of boxing gloves, which will soon be auctioned for charitable purposes.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu