Chantelle Reid guarantees World medal on Day Six

Paris 2024 Olympian and Senior Performance Programme graduate Chantelle Reid ensured herself a place on the podium at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool after producing a scintillating quarterfinal performance.

Facing China’s Mengee Zhang in the Women’s Under 70kg division, the Kode Red boxer showcased her lightning hand speed and sharp footwork from the outset. Despite having only rejoined the GB programme six weeks ago and competing at a new weight, Reid was in imperious form. She repeatedly stepped inside to land combinations to both head and body, leaving no doubt with the judges as she claimed a unanimous decision victory.

In doing so, Chantelle becomes the first graduate of the new Senior Performance Programme to secure a major international medal – a significant milestone for both her and the pathway.

There was further success for Alice Pumphrey, the England Performance Youth World Champion, now part of GB Boxing, who got her campaign off to a winning start at Under 48kg. She came up against Bulgaria’s Sevda Asenova, a European silver medallist as far back as 2007 – when Alice was just one year old. In a frustrating contest, Asenova was docked two points in the second round, but Pumphrey kept her composure, created space, and landed the cleaner shots to seal a unanimous victory.

Two more Performance graduates also had their hands raised. Dimeji Shittu (Under 80kg) boxed smartly to overcome Canada’s Nickenson Denis. After a cagey start, the Five Star boxer established his jab and stayed disciplined on the outside, outclassing his opponent to take a unanimous win.

Meanwhile, birthday boy Teagn Stott (Under 85kg) celebrated in style with a split-decision triumph over Czechia’s Daniel Komarek. Establishing his jab early and stringing together neat combinations, Stott’s conditioning and composure told as he booked his place in the next round.

There was disappointment for Reece Readshaw, whose World Championships run ended against India’s Jadumani Mandengbam at Under 50kg. Forced onto the back foot for much of the contest, the Phil Thomas boxer continued to press forward and let his hands go, showing bravery throughout before dropping a unanimous decision. With his earlier win on Day Two, Readshaw can reflect on a strong showing on the world stage.

Elsewhere, Lucy Kings-Wheatley (Under 60kg) and Patris Mughalzai (Under 65kg) both bowed out of the competition, losing to tough Kazakh opponents Viktoriya Grafeyeva and Yertugan Zeinulinov, respectively.

Ahead of a rest day on Thursday (11 September), England will return in numbers on Wednesday, with several boxers – including Performance athletes Mary Kate Smith and Emily Asquith – vying for quarterfinal success.

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Image: World Boxing