
England Boxing Celebrates Stunning Success at Nation’s Cup 2025
January 21, 2025 | by Nabillah Akhtar
There was victory for England Boxing’s all-female squad at the prestigious Nation’s Cup in Sombor, Serbia, where they secured an impressive haul of ten medals, including five golds. The event, held at the Mostonga Sports Hall from 12th to 19th January, saw the nation’s senior and junior athletes display impressive performances on the international stage.
The team’s medal tally included five golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, highlighting the range of talent across both age categories and Siobhan Haley also managed to pick up ‘Best Junior Boxer’ whilst the squad came third for the overall ‘Best Team’ accolade.
Junior boxer Gracie Rochester was the first to make her mark, earning a well-deserved bronze that set the stage for a hugely successful trip, with every team member bringing home a medal.
The event itself saw 93 boxers from 15 countries in action and is the first tournament of 2025 for England’s Performance team.
Speaking on the outcome, National Coach, Mick McGuire said: “I’m immensely proud of the boxers and coaches because of the results that were achieved at the Nations Cup. The tournament offered a variety of challenges for the whole team.”
He continued: “It is a fine testament to the adaptability and resilience of the England Performance team to see our boxers overcome all obstacles and still be able to put in a sterling performance across the entire 10 days of the trip.”
Newly crowned, Best Junior Boxer, Siobhan Haley added, “This tournament has been brilliant for me to gain more international experience. I got to box in three great fights and I feel as though I am improving in my performances each time.
I’d also like to thank England Boxing for continuing to give me these incredible opportunities to get out there and win medals for my country.”
Winners:
Junior Women, Under 57kg: Siobhan Haley – GOLD (Platinum Boxing Club, Bradford)
Junior Women, Under 63kg: Rihanna Holden – GOLD (Phil Thomas School of Boxing, Middlesbrough)
Junior Women, Under 46kg: Lily Bassett – GOLD (TM Boxing, London)
Junior Women, Under 54kg: Letitia McKee – GOLD (Birkenhead Venture, Birkenhead)
Senior Women, Under 54kg: Beth Walsh – GOLD (Tigers Gym, Leeds)
Senior Women, Under 52kg: Madi Gittins – SILVER (St Pauls Boxing Academy, Kingston Upon Hull)
Senior Women, Under 66kg: Crystal Barker – SILVER (Hook & Jab, Warrington)
Senior Women, Over 81kg: Grace Buckle – SILVER (Miguel’s Gym, London)
Senior Women, Under 48kg: Rhea Kanu – BRONZE (Halton Boxing, Widnes)
Junior Women, Under 60kg: Gracie Rochester – BRONZE (Billingham Boxing Academy, Stockton-on-Tees)