Coulson Sings Squad’s Praises Following Historic Croatia Trip

Fresh from their remarkable performance in Croatia, England’s Youth European Championships team has brought back a haul of medals, solidifying their standing as a force to be reckoned with in the world of amateur boxing. With a total of six medals clinched by the twelve-member squad, England proudly claimed the title of the second-best team in the competition.

Teenager, Ruby White from Sturminster Newton led the charge by securing her third consecutive title in the Female Under 48kg category. White’s dominating performance against Mathilda Fragnieres of France left no doubt in the referee’s mind, prompting the contest to be stopped in her favour.

Following suit was Alice Pumphrey from The Purge, who also clinched her third European crown in the Female Under 50kg division. Facing off against Turkey’s Emine Kilinc, the northerner demonstrated her skill and determination, swiftly overcoming her opponent in a similar fashion.

England’s males also left their mark on the competition, with Leo Atang from Legions and John Joe Carrigan from Border City claiming the top spot on the podium. Carrigan’s victory over Oleh Hichva of Ukraine, secured by a unanimous decision, showcased his prowess in the sport, while Atang mirrored this success by triumphing over Davit Simonyan of Armenia similarly.

Further accolades were earned by Ella Lonsdale from Sunderland East End and Mohammad Safari from The Ring, both of which earned bronze medals by reaching the semi-final stage of the event. 

Although Aaron Iqbal-Fletchman (Technique ABC), Joe Turner (Jennings Gym), and Lily Dolling (Harrow & District) ended their journeys in the quarter-finals, their contributions were still crucial to the team’s success.

ᴡʜᴀᴛ•ᴀ•ᴛᴇᴀᴍ! 🏆

Our Youth Performance team placed second in Croatia to scoop the 2nd best team trophy 🏆

The Three Lions finished with 2️⃣ bronze and 4⃣ gold

Doing their country proud 🦁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

📸: Tomislav Franić#EnglandPerformance | #YouthEuros24 pic.twitter.com/C4MLTzCYme

— England Boxing (@England_Boxing) April 16, 2024

Speaking on the success of the squad, Lead National Coach, Amanda Coulson said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with this group of talented boxers, the fact that we have come away with four newly crowned Champions – means that history has been made for us. This is the most gold medals that we have ever achieved here.

It really comes down to the athletes knuckling down during the preparation phase and adapting really well to the higher demand that youth boxing requires. We have once again proven why Team England are a force to be reckoned with. 

This is our smallest-ever cohort taken to a Youth Euros since the joining of men and women at this competition, quality over quantity has been our motto throughout. We don’t go to just take part, but to win.

As always a special thank you to all the clubs/boxers who came along to the preparation camps to spar with the team. We will be forever grateful and cannot do it without their support. 

When we win medals and succeed it is one huge team effort…and all connected to this squad deserve acknowledgment – from boxers to parents, family, club coaches, sparring partners, England coaches, performance staff, Catterick Army Barracks, and Ballina Boxing club in Co.Mayo (Ireland). Each playing their part towards the team’s success.”

Results: 

Gold – Leo Atang (York)

Gold – John Joe Carrigan (Carlisle)

Gold – Ruby White (Stalbridge, Dorset)

Gold – Alice Pumphrey (Dewsbury)

Bronze – Mohammad (Manny) Safari (Southall, London)

Bronze – Ella Lonsdale (Sunderland)