Three more boxers added to Great Britain’s World Class Programme for boxing as GB Boxing updates Academy and Podium squads
GB Boxing has made a number of changes to the make-up of its squads with the addition of three new boxers to its Academy Squad, two promotions from the Academy to the Podium Squad and the departure of five boxers from the World Class Programme (WCP).
The three new additions are flyweight (W51kg) Ruby White (Dorset), heavyweight (M90kg), Emmanuel Kargbo (Sheffield) and super-heavyweight (M90kg+), Clinton Achusim (Manchester).
The trio have been added to the Academy squad following a series of assessments at GB Boxing’s training centre at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. They will officially join GB Boxing on 1 May 2025 and will train fortnightly at the EIS and compete in international tournaments around the world.
All three arrive on the WCP in strong form, having recently been crowned champions at this year’s National Amateur Boxing Championships. They also have excellent international pedigrees and have represented England at a variety of age groups, including U19’s where White became world champion in 2025 and Kargbo, a European champion in 2025.
Ruby White said: “I’m very excited. I’ve worked so hard to get onto the squad and I’m looking forward to training with and boxing against the best! Being part of GB Boxing is going to help to improve and further my career massively.”
Emmanuel Kargbo said: “Joining GB Boxing feels like the culmination of every early morning and every round I’ve ever fought. I’m not just showing up to train; I’m stepping into an environment of excellence where I can truly test my limits and represent at the highest level.”
Clinton Achusim added: “I am very excited to be joining GB Boxing. I can’t wait to show what I’m capable of and most importantly, keep working and improving my game. The real hard work starts now.”
Their addition reflects GB Boxing’s ongoing commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of elite boxers as part of its performance pathway activities detailed here.
Other changes involving boxers that are already part of the WCP have seen bantamweight (M55kg), Adbul Burton (Manchester) and light-heavyweight (M80kg) Bobby Wallace (London) both secure promotion to GB Boxing’s Podium squad following a series of impressive performances at recent international competitions.
Wallace was crowned European U23 Champion at last year’s competition in Budapest and followed it up with another gold at the recent Bocskai tournament in March 2026. Burton has been similarly impressive and won silver at the European U23 Championships and gold at the Bocskai.
The new additions and promotions coincide with a series of departures as Kayla Allen, Dione Burman, Aaron Cullen, Jack Dryden and Isa Akram have all left the WCP in recent weeks. GB Boxing would like to thank each of them for their contributions during their time on the squad and wishes them every success in the future.
Performance Director Rob McCracken said: “Ensuring we maintain the flow of talent into the GB Boxing squad is essential to the long term success of the WCP so it is always a positive sign positive when boxers come through the Assessment programmes and show that they have the potential to be successful international boxers and Ruby, Emmanuel and Clinton have all achieved this.
“All three have performed well domestically, winning national titles, and have good records at U19s level so that is a good indicator of where they are in their development. The coaches are all looking forward to working with Ruby, Emmanuel and Clinton and helping them to develop, grow and make the most of their potential.”
On the promotions of Wallace and Burton, McCracken continued: “Bobby and Abdul have both done very well in recent months and have shown they have what it takes to thrive in elite international boxing and thoroughly deserve their elevation to the Podium squad. As long as they remain consistent, work hard and listen to the coaches, I have no doubt they will continue to develop, improve and enjoy more success.”
On the departing boxers, McCracken added: “The reality of elite sport means that inevitably some boxers will depart or choose to the leave the WCP and I would like to thank Kayla, Dione, Aaron, Jack and Isa for their efforts and contribution during their time with GB Boxing. Everyone connected with the WCP wishes them all the very best for the future in whatever they go on to do next.”
The full list of boxers joining the programme is:
| Boxer | Weight Class | Country | Club |
| Ruby White | Flyweight – W51kg | England | Sturminster Newton ABC (Dorset) |
| Emmanuel Kargbo | Heavyweight – M90kg | England | De Hood Boxing (Sheffield) |
| Clinton Achusim | Super-heavyweight – M90+kg | England | Longsight ABC (Manchester) |