GB Boxers win nine gold medals on exciting final day of World Boxing Cup: GB Open in Sheffield

BOXERS from Great Britain earned nine gold medals on a thrilling final day of action at the World Boxing Cup: GB Open 2024 held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

The golds were won by Savannah Stubley, Kiaran MacDonald, Lauren Mackie, Shona Whitwell, Patris Mughalzai, Dione Burman and Ramtin Musah.

The other two gold medals were claimed by featherweight Owain Harris Allan and heavyweight Patrick Brown after their opponents, GB Boxing teammate Jack Dryden in the case of Harris Allan, withdrew from their final bouts.

Whilst GB Boxing sparring partner Cindy Ngamba, representing the refugee team, also won gold following a dazzling display against a former world champion.

Elise Glynn and Lewis Richardson had to settle for silver following unanimous and split defeats, whilst Lucy Kings-Wheatley, Joe Tyers and George Crotty all had to do the same having lost to teammates in their respective finals.

It means at the inaugural World Boxing Cup, GB Boxers have won a total of 21 medals including bronze medals for Demie-Jade Resztan, Scott Richards, Olivia Holmes, Kerry Davis, Chantelle Reid and Taylor Bevan.

First to clinch gold on finals day was Kiaran MacDonald.

The flyweight recovered from a nervy first round to beat Germany’s Salah Ibrahim via a 3:2 split decision in the concluding round robin bout.

The Sunderland boxer beat teammate Scott Richards earlier in the week and was handed a walkover against Czech Republic’s Filip Horvath yesterday.

MacDonald said: “It went well, a cagey start but that’s to be expected with counter punchers and it’s credit to the GB Boxing and grassroots coaches for helping get that aspect of my game up to the level needed.

“I feel like I’m going from strength-to-strength as I keep gaining experience and progressing at these tournaments.

“It feels extra special, losing out on the Olympic bout at the European Games was devastating and I’ve built a lot of resilience from that, and I’ve almost rebuilt myself into a new version ahead of the next qualifying event which I hope to be selected for.”

The lightweight final saw GB Boxing teammates Shona Whitwell and Lucy Kings-Wheatley go head-to-head to win gold.

On this occasion it was St Ives’ Whitwell who was crowned champion, boxing well across all three rounds to seal a unanimous victory in front of the Sheffield crowd.

Whitwell said: “I’m buzzing. It’s good to get another gold medal and show everybody where I’m at, now.

“I’ve never had to box a teammate before and credit to Lucy and massive respect because she’s very skilful. It was a bit nerve wracking initially but now I’ve done it I can use this experience should I need it in the future.

“A fair few of my family and friends were here – I’m sure you could hear them! They don’t get the chance to see me box live and to be able to do that in an Olympic year, it means that little bit more.”

Up next, and boxing for the first time at the World Boxing Cup, Dione Burman at welterweight put in a solid performance to beat Germany’s Leonie Muller by a 4:1 split.

GB Boxing’s sparring partner Cindy Ngamba concluded the final morning session in scintillating style as she beat Panama’s former world champion Atheyna Bylon unanimously to become middleweight champion.

Ngamba said: “I’ve shared that ring today with the best of the best at this tournament so I’m happy I’ve got the win. But that’s not me done, I’ve still got lots of goals and ambitions to tick off this year including qualifying for the Olympics.

“Since I came to train at GB Boxing, I think my last two bouts especially, I’m just getting better and better and relaxing when I’m in there and execute what my coaches Darren (Maher) and Paul (Bennett) are telling me.

“I want to thank them and all the other coaches and staff members because they are the reason I’m here today.

“Lauren (Price) messaged me yesterday and told me to relax because she knows what I can be like because I’ve shared the ring with her so many times in sparring and I’ve learned a lot from her. Like when she hits me with a good shot, I feel it and think ‘I should be doing that too!’”

Savannah Stubley got the competition’s final session off to a flyer when she forced a stoppage on her opponent, Maxi Klotzer, in the third round to seal light-flyweight gold.

Bantamweight Lauren Mackie swiftly followed in her footsteps when she was crowned bantamweight champion in her first tournament as a senior after unanimously defeating Sweden’s Zehra Milli.

Mackie said: “It’s the best way to start 2024 and the senior category and I can’t wait to get back in there again.

“I’ve found it tough, it’s hard in there but I’m enjoying it and I feel confident at the level and it’s a joy to be a part of it.

“It’s great to have friends and family here and enjoy the moment with me cause when you’re away, it’s a bit isolating and it’s not quite the same so having a big group around you makes it so much more enjoyable.”

Up next and Joe Tyers and Patris Mughalzai went up against each other in the light-welterweight final and it was the latter who came out as victor unanimously before the third and final all GB affair of the day saw light-heavyweights Ramtin Musah and George Crotty.

It was a high tempo and intense bout with Musah recovering from losing the first round to earn an eventual 4:1 split win to be crowned champion.

Musah said: “It feels amazing, I’m over the moon, I’m buzzing. Just everything!

“All props to George he is a very tricky customer. I was down in the first round, pulled it back and then kept on digging deep and came out with the win.

“I’ve got massive amounts of confidence and proves to me that I’m at the top of my game and I’m showing every time that I’m improving. Two golds back to back and this is a great start to the year.”

GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken said: “It’s been a brilliant week and the event itself has been organised well and provided a fantastic opportunity for the boxers to compete at home at an international event with their family and friends watching.

“It also gives the experienced boxers in the squad ideal preparation and competition, as well as the newer boxer on the squad an opportunity to compete with some of the best boxers in the world. And it’s been great to see all of our boxers performing well and a tremendous experience for them all.

“This event has showcased some of the best in Olympic boxing for Sheffield to enjoy and ultimately for the GB Boxers to benefit from a variety of styles and top international competition and that is what it is all about, especially at the start of an Olympic year with Paris just over six months away.”

The event was delivered by England Boxing in association with World Boxing and GB Boxing and is supported by the National Lottery, UK Sport and Sheffield City Council.