STARS OF THE FUTURE
A total of 55 new champions are crowned at the National Junior Championships in Wigan
THE high quality of the country’s junior boxing was underlined last weekend (March 25 and 26), as a total of 55 new national champions were crowned at the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2023.
At least one club from each of the 11 regions won a national title, which was boxed at Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre, in Wigan.
London-based Repton were the only club to win three times, with Tommy Coyle, Rotunda, District Youth, Worcester City and Mikey’s all claiming two titles each, and 48 different clubs boasting a victorious boxer.
Regionally, the Midlands boasted the most title wins with 11, followed by Tyne, Tees and Wear (nine), North West (seven), London (six), Merseyside & Cheshire (five), Yorkshire and Home Counties (both four), Southern Counties and Western Counties (both three), Eastern Counties (two) and East Midlands (one).
Open Class champions were rewarded with a championship belt, while Cadet boxers received a gold medal. Finalists from both classes picked up a silver medal and losing semifinalists a bronze medal.
“It was great to see such a large crowd in attendance for the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2023 in Wigan, where they were treated to two fantastic days of boxing”, said outgoing England Boxing Competitions and Events manager, Mick Maguire.
“We would like to thank all boxers, coaches, officials, staff, and volunteers for their contribution towards an allround successful weekend.
“Finally, congratulations to all boxers involved in this weekend’s Championship.
The standard of competition was at a very high level and all individuals should be proud of their achievements.”
The championships were open to spectators and streamed live on Youtube.
Female boxers of the tournament, as selected by the onlooking England Boxing Performance Pathway coaches, were Rhianna Doforo (Cadet, No Limits, Under 60kg) and Hollie Haskins (Open, Broadplain, Under 50kg). Male boxers of the tournament were George Francis (Cadet, Repton, Under 44kg) and Mohammed Safari (Open, The Ring, Under 50kg).
The female bouts of the tournament were Sophia Fagan (Wildstar) v Vienna Barry (Boston ABC) at Under 66kg in the Cadet category and Caitlyn Wise (Worcester City) v Rosanna Bycroft (Legions) at Under 52kg in the Open Class.
The male bouts of the tournament were Sahd Iqbal (Laisterdyke) v Morris James (Berinsfield) at Under 66kg in the Cadet category and Harvey Turner (Phoenix Fire) and Tobias Taylor (New Saints) at Under 80kg in the Open Class.