Eamonn Holmes slammed by Olympic boxing champion for 'sexist' comment

Eamonn Holmes was challenged at the awards show (Image: Daily Mirror/Getty)

TV personality Eamonn Holmes has been publicly slammed by an Olympic boxing champion for using the term "women's boxing."

The 64-year-old GB News presenter was hosting the Irish Post Awards when Olympic boxing champion Kellie Harrington challenged him.

Eamonn, who was at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday, alongside his low-profile girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, co-hosted the awards show with singer Lisa McHugh.

However, an awkward silence fell as he presented double Olympic boxing champion Kellie with the Irish Post Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport. As Kellie ascended the stage to a standing ovation and accepted her award, they began discussing her sport, traditionally male-dominated.

"You better believe it's history, isn't it?", Eamonn initially said to Kellie, before adding: "And you know, women's boxing has really come on, hasn't it? I mean, it's much more, it's acceptable."

Eamonn was previously seen at an awards bash with a walker (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

To which Kellie bluntly responded: "It's not women's boxing. It's boxing."

Eamonn, appearing slightly flustered, fell silent on stage, while Kellie received applause from the audience, according to the Mirror.

Eamonn Holmes stepped out publicly with his new girlfriend Katie for the first time at a glittering awards ceremony, following his split from Ruth Langsford earlier in the year.

The GB News presenter, who separated from his wife of 14 years back in May, was spotted enjoying dinner with Katie before the event kicked off.

An insider told the Mirror: "While Eamonn waited for the ceremony to begin he enjoyed his dinner in the company of his new girlfriend Katie. The pair seemed relaxed and were inseparable."

Adding an air of sophistication to the evening, Katie dazzled in a sleek black dress and a chic updo. Despite making their couple's debut in the showbiz world, Eamonn reportedly asked photographers to refrain from snapping them at their table.

Eamonn Holmes and girlfriend Katie at awards bash (Image: Daily Mirror)

The once cherished TV duo of Eamonn and Ruth had shown a united front in the run-up to the announcement of their separation, however, reports now suggest that all may not have been as harmonious as it appeared.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Eamonn and Katie's rendezvous started years before, with The Sun alleging contact "12 years ago."

An insider revealed to The Sun: "We knew Eamonn and Katie got together via social media, but no one knew how far back they went. Ruth will be shocked they were in contact 12 years ago. I don't think she would have known."

The source continued: "At the outset George joined in with the online banter. He would never have guessed Katie was going to get together with Eamonn years down the line."

While the duration of their connection remains unconfirmed by both Eamonn and Katie, there is no insinuation of a romantic link during their marriages. In related news, Ruth disclosed to Woman and Home magazine her lack of contingency planning, admitting: "I don't have a plan B because I never had a plan A. Ever!"