U19 Worlds – The Story So Far: Seven boxers in the mix for medals
October 22, 2026 | by Chris Boyd
After one week of action at the U19 World Championships in Budva, Montenegro, seven England Performance boxers remain in the mix for medals, with National Coach Mick Maguire insisting that England belong on the world stage.
Day seven saw mixed results for England, as Yashua Flemming overcame Uzbekistan’s Jakhongir Zaynidinov by a 3-2 split decision, while Thabiso Moyo fell to Serbia’s current U75kg European Champion, Sonja Vuksic.
Flemming’s victory secured his place in the quarterfinals and put him within one win of a world medal. He joins Lexie Walker, Shannon Warren, Kobe Clarke, Kai Cairns and Albe Dowell, who have all reached the same stage.
England’s women’s U57kg challenger, Siobhan Haley, will also aim to book her place in the quarterfinals when she faces Poland’s Oliwia Wasiakowska in England’s final round-of-16 contest on Friday, 23 October.
England have enjoyed several memorable moments throughout the Championships. Hockley’s Albe Dowell secured first-round RSC victories in his opening two bouts, while Platinum’s Siobhan Haley overcame U19 Futures Cup Champion Brijhana Epperson of the United States in an entertaining 3-2 split decision.
Kobe Clarke has recorded an RSC and a unanimous decision to put himself within one win of a medal, while Kai Cairns also secured an RSC victory.
Shannon Warren earned an impressive unanimous decision against a tough Kyrgyzstani opponent, while Lexie Walker won by RSC against a determined Cuban boxer who had two-time Olympic gold medallist Mario Kindelan in her corner.
The depth of quality at the Championships has been on full display, particularly in the contests that have ended in defeat for England.
Sixteen-year-old Reuben Huczmann fell to Uzbekistan’s current U19 Asian Champion, Elroy Rustamov, while Thabiso Moyo bowed out against Serbia’s current U19 European Champion, Sonja Vuksic.
After overcoming Iceland’s Ronald Bjarki Manason with an impressive unanimous decision, Brayden Dyer exited in the round of 16 to Russia’s Vladimir Orlov.
Serena Mali fell to South American Youth Games Champion Grenyellis Garcia of Venezuela, while Rihanna Holden exited to Italy’s Amelia Zamana, who recently won gold at the U19 Brandenburg Cup.
Despite the mixed results, National Coach Mick Maguire, who is leading the team in Montenegro, believes England have shown their class on the world stage.
“In these opening seven days, this team has shown that they belong at world-class competitions and can compete with some of the most respected nations in the world.
“With six boxers already having boxed their way into the quarterfinals, including wins over opponents from Cuba, the USA and Uzbekistan, and Vonnie Haley still to box for a quarterfinal spot tomorrow, the team is in a great place.
“The variety of styles and exposure to nations outside of Europe are providing invaluable experience for this hugely talented team, most of whom are a year young and still have another year of Under 19 boxing ahead of them in 2027.
“The coaching resources and financial investment being given to this team of boxers, and to the Pathway as a whole, are a huge indication of the direction of travel for the England Boxing Performance Team – and the belief we all have in the Pathway.
“The team behind the scenes works tirelessly to create these opportunities and never seeks the headlines. So, on behalf of myself and the whole team, I would like to thank Chris Connelly, Andrea Rankine, Helen Timms and Sophie Marshall.
“Of course, we cannot forget our competitive driving force and National Lead Coach, Amanda Coulson, for everything they do to provide us all with these life-changing opportunities. I would also, as always, like to pay my sincere thanks and admiration to the families and clubs of the boxers, who are second to none in their levels of support.
“Continued exposure to and participation in events of this calibre can only serve to raise the bar even higher, drive England on further and ensure that we remain among the very best boxing nations in the world.”
Upcoming Bouts
Friday, 23rd October (1pm UK)
Women’s, U57kg Round of 16 – Oliwia Wasiakowska (Poland) vs Siobhan Haley
Friday, 23rd October (5pm UK)
Men’s, U65kg Quarterfinal – Mausam Suhag (India) vs Yashua Flemming
Women’s, U70kg Quarterfinal – Kaysie Joyce (Ireland) vs Shannon Warren
Men’s, U85kg Quarterfinal – Kirill Korshakov (Russia) vs Kai Cairns
Men’s, U90kg Quarterfinal – Albe Dowell vs Vuk Milenkovic (Serbia)
Saturday, 24th October (1pm UK)
Women’s, U60kg Quarterfinal – Sevara Mamatova (Uzbekistan) vs Lexie Walker
Men’s, U75kg Quarterfinal – James Gentile (USA) vs Kobe Clarke
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