Liverpool’s World Boxing Championship bronze medallist Callum Makin returns to action as GB Boxing selects nine men and women for Czech Grand Prix
LIVERPOOL’S Callum Makin will make his first competitive appearance since winning a bronze medal in his hometown at the 2025 World Boxing Championships last September, when he returns to the ring at the Czech Grand Prix in Usti, 17-20 June 2026.
The middleweight (M75kg) is one of nine boxers selected by GB Boxing to compete in Czechia and is looking forward to getting back in the ring after a nine-month lay-off to recover from surgery to a shoulder injury he sustained during his run to the semi-finals at last year’s World Boxing Championships.
Callum Makin said: “I am really looking forward to getting back in the ring. It’s been a long time coming after the injury, but I’ve worked hard throughout the rehabilitation process and I’m excited to be competing again. Going into this tournament, I feel like I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and I’m looking forward to showing what I’m capable of.
“I won a silver at this event last year, so have a good record in this tournament which is an important step for me. There are valuable (World Boxing) ranking points available and it’s a great opportunity to get back into international competition ahead of some major events later in the year.
“Obviously, I am focused on performing well in Czechia, but we also have the European Championships coming up later this year, which is a big target, so I want to get off to a good start and keep building momentum as the season progresses.”
A longer, free to use, interview with Callum Makin is available on the GB Boxing YouTube channel HERE.
Makin is one of five men in the squad, alongside Abdul Burton (M55kg), Leo Wood (M60kg), Joe Turner (M65kg) and Clinton Achusim (M90+kg).
For Achusim, the Czech Grand Prix will mark his first tournament representing GB Boxing, having joined the programme in May 2026. The heavyweight was recently crowned champion at the National Amateur Championships and will be looking to make his mark on the international stage in Usti nad Labem.
They are joined by four women including: Elise Glynn (W57kg), Vivien Parsons (W57kg), Ella Thompstone (W65kg) and Mary-Kate Smith (W75kg).
GB Boxing enjoyed a strong showing at last year’s Czech Grand Prix, returning with four medals including Makin’s silver and a bronze for Leo Wood. The squad will be looking to match or better that haul when competition gets underway later this month.
All nine boxers will represent England at the Czech Grand Prix. The full team is:
| Boxer | Weight Class | Country |
| Abdul Burton | M55KG | Bantamweight | England |
| Elise Glynn | W57KG | Featherweight | England |
| Vivien Parsons | W57KG | Featherweight | England |
| Leo Wood | M60KG | Welterweight | England |
| Ella Thompstone | W65KG | Welterweight | England |
| Joe Turner | M65KG | Lightweight | England |
| Callum Makin | M75KG | Light-middleweight | England |
| Mary-Kate Smith | W75KG | Middleweight | England |
| Clinton Achusim | M90+KG | Super-heavyweight | England |
The results of all the bouts involving boxers from Great Britain will be posted on GB Boxing’s social media channels and at www.gbboxing.org.uk.
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