The England Boxing National Amateur Championships in Derby showcased a new generation of talent, with several young fighters stepping onto the senior stage and making an immediate impact. Among them, Ruby White captured headlines by securing her first senior national title in the flyweight division, defeating Madi Gittens of Box Club by unanimous decision.
White, who already boasts a World U19 championship and four European age‑group titles, continued an impressive unbeaten streak that now exceeds 60 bouts. In a post‑fight interview with Sky Sports, the 19‑year‑old from Sturminster Newton reflected on the significance of her victory.
"I’m over the moon. I think I proved a lot of people wrong being a first‑year senior and winning this tournament. The jump from youth to senior is massive, and I think I showed everyone that I belong on these big stages and that I’ll be fighting for Great Britain soon," she said. White credited her relentless work ethic for her success, adding, "The secret to my success is that I want it more.
I train harder than anybody. My desire and willpower to be the best are stronger than anyone else’s." The men’s flyweight final also delivered drama. Billy Macey claimed his second national crown after his opponent, Yusuf Uddin, was disqualified for an altercation with the referee. Despite the controversy, Macey remained composed, emphasizing sportsmanship.
"Win, lose or draw, you hold your head up high, keep your back straight and stay respectful. There’s no need for screaming or shouting," he told Sky Sports. He also paid tribute to the legacy of British champions, noting, "I’m following in the footsteps of great fighters like Joe Calzaghe, who won this title three times.
It’s an honour to win it because it represents the pinnacle of amateur boxing in the country." In the heavyweight division, Adekali Kargbo of De Hood impressed by edging out the defending 90 kg champion Akinola Tijani with a 4‑1 split decision. Tijani, speaking after the bout, explained his mindset: "Whenever I hear I’m close to losing, I dig deep, I fight harder, and I prove why I want it more." The super‑heavyweight showdown was arguably the night’s highlight. Clinton Achusim from Longsight outboxed Finchley’s Anthony Ibekwe to claim the title. "I loved every single minute of it.
This is what we train for," Achusim said. "I can adapt, I box well, and I punch hard.
This is just the first of many victories to come." Other notable performances included Repton’s Amo Singh, who won the 65 kg title with a unanimous decision over James Smith of Sandygate, and GB prospect Joe Turner, who secured the 62.5 kg championship by defeating Halliwell’s Joe Peel in a 4‑1 split decision. Turner expressed confidence about his future: "There was no one taking that belt away from me tonight. Fair play to my opponent, but this is what I’m made for.
I know one day I’ll be a world champion as a professional, no doubt in my head, so until that day I’ll keep pushing forward." Looking ahead, Great Britain’s boxing squad is set to compete in the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Brazil, which runs until April 26. The women’s team features Sacha Hickey (65 kg), Lauren Mackie (54 kg) and 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze medallist Chantelle Reid (70 kg).
The men’s lineup includes 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, the tournament offers a chance to build on his recent success. Stott, who earned a silver medal at the cruiserweight (85 kg) division of last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, is now competing at heavyweight for the third time.
He aims to solidify his place in the new weight class after a strong showing at the Bocskai Memorial Tournament in Hungary, where he also captured silver. "It’s a great opportunity to test myself against top‑level international opponents and gain more experience on the 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 each bout, embrace every challenge, and position myself well for the Commonwealth Games and beyond." Overall, the national finals highlighted the depth of talent within British amateur boxing, with rising stars like Ruby White proving they can transition smoothly from youth to senior competition, while seasoned competitors continue to chase historic achievements. The upcoming World Boxing Cup will provide further exposure and a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage, potentially paving the way for future Olympic and professional success.