The England Boxing National Amateur Championships reached a thrilling climax on Saturday in Derby, as a new generation of talent stepped onto the senior stage and demonstrated why they are the sport's future. Among the standout performances was that of Ruby White, a 19‑year‑old boxer from Sturminster Newton, who captured her first senior national title in the flyweight division by defeating Madi Gittens of Box Club with a unanimous decision. White, already a World U19 champion and a four‑time European champion at the age‑group level, continued an extraordinary unbeaten run that now exceeds sixty bouts.
In her post‑fight interview with Sky Sports, White described the victory as "over the moon" and emphasized how she had silenced sceptics who questioned whether a first‑year senior could claim a national crown. "The jump from youth to senior is massive," she explained, "but I showed everyone that I belong on these big stages and I hope to be representing Great Britain soon." She credited her relentless work ethic as the key to her success, saying, "I want it more than anyone else. I train harder than anyone, and my desire and willpower to be the best are stronger than anyone's." The men's flyweight division also produced drama, with Billy Macey becoming a two‑time national champion after his opponent, Yusuf Uddin, was disqualified for shoving the referee. Macey remained composed, stressing the importance of sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
"Win, lose or draw, you keep your head up, stay upright and act like a true sportsman. There's no need for screaming or shouting," he said.
He also reflected on the legacy of British greats, noting, "I'm following in the footsteps of legends like Joe Calzaghe, who won this title three times. Winning it is an absolute honour because it represents the pinnacle of amateur boxing in the country." In the heavyweight ranks, De Hood's Adekali Kargbo caused an upset by dethroning the reigning 90 kg champion Akinola Tijani with a 4‑1 split decision. Tijani, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted that whenever he feels a fight slipping away, he digs deep and shows why he wants it more than anyone else.
The super‑heavyweight bout that many regarded as the night’s highlight featured Clinton Achusim of Longsight against Anthony Ibekwe of Finchley. Achusim emerged victorious, describing the fight as "the moment we train for" and praising his adaptability, punching power, and technical skill.
"I loved every single minute of it. This is just the first of many titles to come," he added. Other notable champions included Repton’s Amo Singh, who unanimously outscored James Smith of Sandygate to claim the 65 kg title, and GB hopeful Joe Turner, who secured the 62.5 kg crown with a 4‑1 split decision over Halliwell’s Joe Peel.
Turner expressed confidence in his future, stating, "There was no one taking that belt away from me tonight. I know one day I’ll be a world champion as a professional, so until that day I’ll keep pushing forward." Beyond the national championships, Great Britain’s boxing squad is preparing for the inaugural World Boxing Cup, currently taking place in Brazil and set to conclude on April 26. The women's team comprises Sacha Hickey (65 kg), Lauren Mackie (54 kg) and Chantelle Reid (70 kg), the latter a 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze medallist. The men’s 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).
For Sheffield’s Teagn Stott, who earned a silver medal at cruiserweight (85 kg) during last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, this tournament marks his third foray into the heavyweight division. He aims to solidify his standing at the new weight class, building on his previous silver at the Bocskai Memorial Tournament in Hungary. "Competing against top‑level international opponents is a great chance to test myself and gain experience on a big stage," Stott explained.
"Each tournament is another step in my development, especially as I continue to grow into the heavyweight division. My goal is to keep improving with every bout, take on each challenge, and position myself well for future events like the Commonwealth Games and beyond." Overall, the national finals showcased a vibrant mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, all eager to make their mark on British boxing. The event not only highlighted individual triumphs but also underscored the depth of the country’s amateur boxing pipeline, promising an exciting future for the sport on both domestic and international stages.