The England Boxing National Amateur Championships concluded with a showcase of emerging talent, as the country's most promising pugilists stepped onto the Derby stage and demonstrated why they are the sport's future. In the senior flyweight division, 19-year-old Ruby White captured her inaugural senior national crown, defeating Madi Gittens of Box Club by unanimous decision.
White, already a World U19 champion and a four‑time European age‑group titleholder, continued an extraordinary unbeaten streak that now exceeds sixty bouts. Speaking to Sky Sports after her victory, White expressed sheer elation and a sense of vindication.
"I’m over the moon," she said. "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 level is massive, and I’ve shown everyone that I belong on these big stages. I hope to be representing Great Britain very soon." She 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 produced drama. Billy Macey secured his second national title after his opponent, Yusuf Uddin, was disqualified for shoving the referee.
Macey, reflecting on the bout, emphasized sportsmanship regardless of the outcome. "Win, lose or draw, you keep your head up high, keep your back straight and stay sportsman‑like.
There's no need for screaming or shouting," he told Sky Sports. He also paid homage to the greats who have come before him, noting, "I’m following in the footsteps of many great fighters. Joe Calzaghe won it three times. It’s an absolute honour to win because this is the pinnacle of amateur boxing domestically." In the heavyweight division, De Hood’s Adekali Kargbo upset the defending 90kg champion Akinola Tijani with a 4‑1 split decision.
Tijani, when asked about his defeat, said, "Any time I hear I’m close to losing or something happens, I dig deep, I show why I want it more." His determination underscored the competitive spirit that permeated the entire event. The night’s most thrilling encounter, according to many spectators, featured Longsight’s Clinton Achusim versus Finchley’s Anthony Ibekwe for the super‑heavyweight title. Achusim emerged victorious, describing the bout as a realization of his training.
"I loved every single minute of it. This is what we train for," he told Sky Sports. "I can adapt, I box well, I punch hard. This is just one of many victories to come." Other notable winners included Repton’s Amo Singh, who unanimously outscored James Smith of Sandygate to claim the 65kg title, and GB prospect Joe Turner, who secured the 62.5kg crown with a 4‑1 split decision over Halliwell’s Joe Peel.
Turner spoke confidently about his future aspirations: "There was no one taking that belt away from me tonight. Fair play to my opponent as well, but this is what I’m made for – moments like this.
I know one day I’ll be a world champion as a pro, no doubt in my head, so until that day I’ll keep pushing forward." Beyond the national championships, Great Britain’s boxing squad is gearing up for the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Brazil, which runs through April 26. The women's contingent features Sacha Hickey (65kg), Lauren Mackie (54kg) and 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze medallist Chantelle Reid (70kg).
The men’s lineup includes Ellis Trowbridge (55kg), Will Hewitt (60kg), Patris Mughalzai (65kg), Paddy Hewitt (70kg), Dimeji Shittu (80kg) and Teagn Stott (90kg). Stott, who earned a silver medal in the cruiserweight (85kg) division at last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, will make his third appearance at heavyweight, aiming to cement his status in the new weight class. He reflected on the upcoming tournament: "It’s a great opportunity to test myself against top‑level international opponents and gain more experience on the big stage. Every tournament like this is another step in my development, especially as I continue to grow into the heavyweight division.
The aim is to keep improving with each bout, take on each challenge, and hopefully that puts me in a good position for the future, looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games and beyond."