On January 26, 2008 the first annual Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic was held at the Westin City Center Hotel in Washington, D.C. Eleven boys, ranging in age from 11-17 from Catholic- and Protestant-sponsored Belfast boxing clubs, traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week to participate in the event. For many of the boys, this was their first trip outside the neighborhoods in which they had grown up. In addition to the event, they spent the week touring the city, and trained at local boxing gyms.

The event, which was held in a sold-out ballroom at the Westin, included a dinner, silent auction, and was highlighted by the amateur boxing matches throughout the evening, to raise funds for Belfast and D.C. clubs. Prior to the matches, both teams entered the ring, received introductions and exchanged gifts with their opponents. Following the introductions, 10 boxing matches of three rounds each were held before the enthusiastic crowd. Commemorative belts were awarded to all participants.

Since then, the Classic has been a great success every spring and has welcomed many special guests, including WBU champion "Irish" Micky Ward, John "The Derry Destroyer" Duddy, and legendary D.C. boxing announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

The Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic is now in its fourth year, and in April 2012 a group of youth boxers from Belfast and England will match up against a D.C. select team featuring fighters from several D.C.-area clubs. The athletic exchange program that culminates in the Classic offers a unique cultural experience for all the youth participants, including, in recent years, tours of the White House, the Capitol and Mount Vernon. In addition, the proceeds sponsor a year-round donation program—providing much-needed uniforms, shoes and equipment to local boxing clubs.