England Performance names 16-strong squad for U19 European Championships

England Boxing is delighted to announce the 16 boxers selected to represent England Performance at the 2026 U19 European Championships, taking place in Loznica, Serbia, from 11th–22nd August.

The squad heads to Serbia with a wealth of international experience, featuring two Youth Olympians, several European medallists and a host of boxers who have progressed through the England Performance Pathway in recent years.

Among those selected are Youth Olympians Lily Bassett and Michael Maughan, who will make the step up from last December’s U17 European Championships. Brayden Dyer, Jaya Kalsi, Rihanna Holden, Serena Mali and Siobhan Haley also featured in Germany, with six of the seven athletes returning home with medals – three gold, two silver and one bronze.

Also selected are 2025 U19 European medallists Shannon Warren and Thabiso Moyo, who claimed bronze and silver respectively, while Lexie Walker and George Francis return to European competition following their appearances at the 2024 Junior European Championships.

The squad is further strengthened by Reuben Huczmann, Albe Dowell, Jonathan Edwards and Kai Cairns, with Dowell, Edwards and Cairns all arriving in Serbia on the back of gold-medal performances at the recent Four Nations Championships in Scotland.

One of the standout stories within the squad is the return of Yashua Flemming, who will compete at a European Championships for the first time since winning Schools gold in 2023.

After suffering a serious leg break in late 2024 that required multiple surgeries and the use of an external fixator, the Londoner has produced a remarkable comeback, returning in 2026 to claim National Youth Championship honours before adding Four Nations gold earlier this summer.

Speaking on his selection, Flemming said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been selected to represent England at the Under-19 European Championships in Serbia. It’s a huge honour to wear the England vest and compete against some of the best boxers in Europe.

“After coming back from injury, this selection means even more to me. There were some tough moments during my recovery, so to be back fit, competing, and representing my country makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and showing my skill at the highest level and giving everything I have for England. My goal is to put in strong performances, make my country proud, and bring home the gold medal. BOSH!”

Also looking forward to returning to the European stage is Rihanna Holden, who claimed U17 European silver in Germany last year and will make her fifth consecutive European Championship appearance: “I’m buzzing to have been selected for the European Championships – five years running and my eighth time representing England.

“I’m excited to reconnect with the squad, many of whom are long-standing squad members like me, settle the score from last year’s final, and fight with everything I’ve got to bring gold home for England.”

National Coach Mick Maguire believes the squad is well prepared for the challenges ahead and highlighted the togetherness that continues to define England Performance: “The whole of the England Boxing Performance Team and all the clubs and families of the boxers involved will be in full support, as always, when we get to Serbia in August.

“The boxers have worked tirelessly to put themselves on the plane and will be supported by the wider Performance Squad teammates who are not going this time around.

“As ever, Team England will operate as a tight- knit unit and as always when we go into the ring – we all go together.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this talented team of boxers and coaches take on the best in Europe.

“Huge congratulations must also go out to all the clubs of the boxers in the team, and also a debt of gratitude is and will be owed to all the clubs and boxers across the country who come in for sparring every weekend and make sure that the team stays on mission right up to the tournament commencing and beyond.”

Maguire will be assisted by Alex Vass, Bobby Miltiadous and Stephen Hume, whilst Tyrone Harold will reprise his role as team manager, having overseen a number of these boxers since the 2023 European Championships in Slovenia.

Full Squad

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