England team withdraws from European Youths with hosts Montenegro on red list

England Boxing has been forced to withdraw its team from the EUBC European Youth Championships 2021 due to take place in Montenegro between 13th October and 24th October.

With the host country still on the UK Government’s Covid-19 red list – as a destination to where all but essential travel should be avoided – the England Boxing board has taken the regrettable decision to pull out, with wellbeing of boxers and support staff at the forefront of their minds.

“It is hugely disappointing and frustrating for everyone concerned that we have been forced to take the decision not to compete at the European Youths, especially for the boxers who have trained so hard and shown a tremendous attitude in training camps over the last few weeks,” said interim Talent Pathway Manager Andrea Rankine.

“The decision, which was not taken lightly, was left as late as possible to give it chance for the situation in Montenegro to improve, but the high risk of catching Covid-19 in the country – plus the need to to isolate for a period of 10 days in nominated quarantine government hotels on return, and the safeguarding issues that poses – meant there was no other option but to withdraw.

“The health and safety of all those who were scheduled to travel remains our number one priority and this was not something we were prepared to put at risk.”

As a result, the remaining Team England preparation activities have been cancelled.

England Boxing is, however, bidding to seek an alternative international duel or event for the team, subject to the England Talent calendar and any ongoing Covid-19 government restrictions.