The England Boxing National Amateur Championships in Derby showcased the next generation of talent, with a series of impressive performances that highlighted both rising stars and seasoned competitors. In the elite flyweight final, Ruby White secured her inaugural senior national title by defeating Madi Gittens of Box Club, a victory that underscored her rapid progression from youth prodigy to senior contender. White, who already holds a World U19 championship and four European age‑group titles, continued her remarkable unbeaten streak, now standing at more than 60 fights without a loss.
Her unanimous decision over Gittens was a clear statement of intent, proving that she can thrive on the biggest domestic stages. When asked about her triumph, White expressed overwhelming joy and a sense of vindication. "I’m over the moon. I think I proved a lot of people wrong being a first‑year senior and winning this tournament," she told Sky Sports.
She emphasized the steep learning curve from youth to senior competition, noting that the jump in intensity and skill level is substantial. Yet she feels confident that her performance demonstrates she belongs among the elite and anticipates representing Great Britain in international events soon. White credited her success to an insatiable desire to win, saying, "The secret to my success is that I want it more. I train harder than anybody.
My want and my willpower to be the best is better than anybody else’s." Her words reflect a mindset that combines humility with fierce determination, a combination that many coaches and scouts find compelling. In the men's flyweight division, Billy Macey added a second national title to his résumé after his opponent, Yusuf Uddin, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, including shoving the referee. Macey remained composed throughout the controversy, offering a measured perspective on sportsmanship. "Win, lose or draw, you hold your head up high, you keep your back straight and you stay sportsman‑like.
There's no need for the screaming, the shouting," he said. He also paid homage to the legacy of British boxing greats, referencing Joe Calzaghe's three‑time national triumphs, and described his own victory as an "absolute honour" because the national championship represents the pinnacle of amateur boxing within the country.
The heavyweight bracket delivered its own drama when De Hood’s Adekali Kargbo dethroned the reigning 90 kg champion Akinola Tijani with a 4‑1 split decision. Tijani, reflecting on the close contest, explained that whenever he feels the fight slipping away, he digs deeper, driven by the belief that his desire to win outweighs his opponent’s. This mental toughness is a recurring theme among the competitors, illustrating the psychological edge required to succeed in the ring. In what many observers called the bout of the night, Clinton Achusim from Longsight overcame Finchley's Anthony Ibekwe to claim the super‑heavyweight title.
Achusim described the fight as a realization of his training, saying, "I loved every single minute of it. This is what we train for. I know how to adapt, I can box really well, I punch really hard.
This is one of many and more to come." His confidence signals a potential future presence on the international stage, especially as he continues to refine his technique against increasingly challenging opponents. Other notable champions emerged across the weight classes. Amo Singh of Repton secured the 65 kg title with a unanimous decision over James Smith of Sandygate, while GB hopeful Joe Turner triumphed in a tightly contested 62.5 kg final, edging out Halliwell’s Joe Peel by a 4‑1 split decision.
Turner, speaking after his victory, expressed a clear vision for his career: "There was no one taking that belt away from me tonight. Fair play to my opponent as well but it’s what I’m made for, these sort of moments.
I know one day I’m going to be world champion as a pro, no doubt in my head, so until that day keep pushing forward." His ambition aligns with the broader goals of the national program, which aims to transition top amateurs into successful professionals. Beyond the domestic championships, Great Britain is preparing a robust squad for the inaugural World Boxing Cup, currently taking place in Brazil. The women's contingent includes Sacha Hickey (65 kg), Lauren Mackie (54 kg) and 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze‑medallist Chantelle Reid (70 kg).
On the men’s side, the lineup features Ellis Trowbridge (55 kg), Will Hewitt (60 kg), Patris Mughalzai (65 kg), Paddy Hewitt (70 kg), Dimeji Shittu (80 kg) and Teagn Stott (90 kg). Stott, who earned a silver medal in the cruiserweight division at last year’s World Championships in Liverpool, is now competing at heavyweight for the third time, aiming to solidify his place in the new weight class after a strong showing at the Bocskai Memorial Tournament in Hungary. Stott highlighted the significance of the World Boxing Cup as a platform for testing himself against top‑level international opposition. "It’s a great opportunity to test myself against some top‑level international opponents and gain more experience on the big stage," he explained.
He emphasized that each tournament serves as a stepping stone in his development, especially as he continues to adjust to the demands of the heavyweight division. His long‑term objectives include performing well at the upcoming Commonwealth Games and positioning himself for future professional opportunities. Overall, the national finals in Derby not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the depth of talent within British amateur boxing. The event demonstrated that young athletes like Ruby White can transition seamlessly into senior competition, while seasoned fighters such as Billy Macey and Teagn Stott continue to build on their legacies.
With the World Boxing Cup now underway, these champions will have the chance to test their skills on a global stage, further strengthening the pipeline that feeds British boxing’s future successes.