The England Boxing National Amateur Championships in Derby showcased the next generation of talent, with several athletes delivering standout performances that hinted at bright futures in the sport. Among the highlights was the triumph of Ruby White, a 19‑year‑old boxer from Sturminster Newton, who captured her first senior national title in the flyweight division after defeating Madi Gittens of Box Club by unanimous decision. White entered the bout already boasting an impressive résumé: she is a World U19 champion and a four‑time European champion at the youth level. Her victory over Gittens, a seasoned competitor, extended her unbeaten streak to more than 60 fights and signaled her seamless transition from the junior ranks to senior competition.
"I’m over the moon," White said in her post‑fight interview with Sky Sports. "I think I proved a lot of people wrong by being a first‑year senior and winning this tournament.
The jump from youth to senior is massive, and I’ve shown that I belong on these big stages. I hope to be fighting for Great Britain very soon." She credited her relentless work ethic for her success, explaining, "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." Her comments underscored the mental toughness that often separates champions from the pack. The men’s flyweight final also produced a memorable moment, as Billy Macey secured his second national title after his opponent, Yusuf Uddin, was disqualified for an unsportsmanlike shove against the referee.
Macey, reflecting on the bout, emphasized the importance of composure regardless of the outcome: "Win, lose or draw, you keep your head up high, stay straight, and behave like a sportsman. There's no need for screaming or shouting." He also paid tribute to the legacy of British greats, noting, "I’m following in the footsteps of fighters like Joe Calzaghe, who won this title three times. It’s an absolute honour because this is the pinnacle of amateur boxing domestically." In the heavyweight division, Adekali Kargbo of De Hood upset the reigning 90kg champion Akinola Tijani, winning a closely contested 4‑1 split decision. Tijani, who had been on the verge of defeat, spoke candidly about his mindset: "Whenever I hear I’m close to losing, I dig deep and show why I want it more." His remarks highlighted the psychological battle that accompanies physical preparation.
The super‑heavyweight bout, arguably the night’s most dramatic, saw Clinton Achusim of Longsight defeat Finchley’s Anthony Ibekwe to claim the title. Achusim described the experience with enthusiasm: "I loved every single minute of it. This is what we train for. I can adapt, I box well, and I punch hard.
This is just one of many victories to come." His confidence reflects a broader trend among the young British boxers: a belief that their current successes are stepping stones to greater achievements on the international stage. Other notable performances included Repton’s Amo Singh, who outscored James Smith of Sandygate unanimously to win the 65kg title, and GB hopeful Joe Turner, who earned a 4‑1 split‑decision win over Halliwell’s Joe Peel in the 62.5kg final.
Turner expressed his ambition clearly: "There was no one taking that belt away from me tonight. I respect my opponent, but this is what I’m made for.
I know one day I’ll be a world champion as a pro, so I’ll keep pushing forward until that day arrives." Beyond the national championships, Great Britain’s boxing squad is preparing for the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Brazil, which runs until April 26. The women's team features Sacha Hickey (65kg), Lauren Mackie (54kg) and Chantelle Reid (70kg), the latter a 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze medallist. The men’s lineup includes Ellis Trowbridge (55kg), Will Hewitt (60kg), Patris Mughalzai (65kg), Paddy Hewitt (70kg), Dimeji Shittu (80kg) and Teagn Stott (90kg). For Sheffield’s Teagn Stott, the tournament offers a chance to cement his place in the heavyweight division after earning a silver medal at the 85kg cruiserweight category at last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.
Stott explained his objectives: "It’s a great opportunity to test myself against top‑level international opponents and gain more experience on the big stage. Every tournament is another step in my development, especially as I grow into the heavyweight division. My aim is to keep improving with each bout, take on every challenge, and position myself well for the Commonwealth Games and beyond." Overall, the England Boxing National Amateur Championships served as a showcase for emerging talent, with athletes like Ruby White, Billy Macey, and Clinton Achusim demonstrating that they possess both the skill and the mindset required for success at higher levels. Their victories, combined with the upcoming international competition in Brazil, suggest a promising future for British boxing, as these young fighters continue to refine their craft and aim for glory on the world stage.