The oldest European competition, the 77^th edition of the Strandja Memorial Tournament opened with 56 preliminary bouts in Sofia, Bulgaria today.

The President of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, Mr. Krasimir Ininski welcomed all of the teams in the Opening Ceremony of the Strandja Memorial Tournament.

The next edition of the European Elite Boxing Championships will also take place in Sofia on September 15-26 in 2026.

The bout of the day

Brazil’s Michael Trindade is member of their national team since 2021 and he competed already in levels of boxing including the Olympic Games. The Brazilian was not enough shape in the first round against the US teenager, Lorenzo Juanito Patricio and his opponent had the advantage on the judges’ scorecards. Trindade returned to the business in the second round but the US youngster mobilized all of his remaining power to beat the Brazilian with an exceptional final period.

The surprises of the day

Ireland’s Thady Patsy Joyce earned a bronze medal at the recent World Boxing Championships and he was named as one of the favourites in the men’s 55kg weight category. The Irish boy did not find the best fighting distance against Kazakhstan’s Timur Kabdeshov and he was in trouble on the judges’ scorecards after two rounds. The 25-year-old Kazakh attacked in the last round well enough and he eliminated one of the best Irish elite male boxers in Sofia.

Bulgaria’s Roselin Bachevski competed in the 2024 Youth World Championships and the 2025 European U19 Boxing Championships but the 19-year-old boxer exceeded all of the expectations on Day1. Armenia’s European silver medallist Narek Manasyan used his routine in the first round well enough but Bachevski had the stamina to turn it back with teenage enthusiasm.

The Round-Up

Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the defending Asian Champion, opened his campaign in the Strandja Memorial Tournament in the first bout of the entire event. The 23-year-old boxer had a competitive rival in the preliminary stage, Kazakhstan’s Bekzat Aldamzharov but he had the better punches in the exchanges.

Mongolia’s Aldarkhishig Battulga claimed a silver medal at the recent World Boxing Championships in Liverpool and he has been preparing for the upcoming Asian Championships. The Mongolian had an experienced rival as first, Bulgaria’s European silver medallist Ergyunal Sebahtin Sabri but he used his distance well enough to win their 50kg preliminary bout.

Georgia’s Gor Ayvazyan had a fantastic junior and youth career and despite his age of 20, he has already seven years of international routine. The young Georgian found the best fighting distance in the first round immediately against Turkey’s Semih Gumus and he remained dominant in all of the exchanges.

The Mongolians have been preparing hard to the upcoming Asian Boxing Championships which will be held in Ulaanbaatar on their home soil. Following Aldarkhishig Battulga’s success at the 50kg, their Bilguunsaikhan Kharkhuu continued their winning path after beating Ukraine’s Oleh Chulyacheyev at the 55kg.

Germany’s new 70kg boxer, Randy Botikali joined the national team only last year and he used his left-handed jabs effectively to beat Kosovo’s southpaw Shpetim Bajoku on Day1. His teammate at the 90kg, Vitalij Walter also managed to beat his first rival in Sofia, a local boy, Stoyan Petrov by points decision.

Turkmenistan’s Asian Games bronze medallist Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov achieved historic results from his country in the recent three years but he had the disadvantage on the scorecards against Egypt’s Ahmed Hekal after the first round. Turkmenistan’s No.1 stepped into the gas in time to beat the talented Egyptian and the 23-year-old marched to the next round at the men’s 70kg.

Uzbekistan’s Youth World Champion Abdulaziz Jurakulov joined the elite age group only this January but the 18-year-old talent proved his huge future potential in the first round against Kazakhstan’s Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbay Uulu. The Paris Olympian Kazakh worked better and better throughout the rounds and he had to do his very best and a great finish to beat the Uzbek teenager at the 70kg.

Azerbaijan’s Mahammadali Ashiraliyev opened the first round better than Italy’s Michele Baldassi and he had the advantages on the judges’ scorecards. The Italian caught the 19-year-old Azeri boxer in the second round with jabs but Ashiraliyev had the strong heart and fighting spirit in the third to win their tight 60kg meeting by 3:2 split decision.

Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kuzeubayev, the former Asian Junior Champion, was more experienced than United States’ new national team member, Salim Ellis-Bay but he did not find the best weapon against the younger opponent. The US boy had excellent defensive skills and his counter-attacks guaranteed his success over a strong Asian rival.

Brazil’s Luiz Gabriel Oliveira is one of the aces in the men’s 60kg weight category and he used all of his skills against Azerbaijan’s Mahammadali Gasimzada in their meeting. The Azeri boxer was smaller and he had some powerful attacks but Oliveira controlled this preliminary bout in all of the three rounds.

Wales’ Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Owain Harris-Allan decided to continue his career in the national team and he looked so experienced in his opening bout against Turkey’s Tolga Kaya. The Welsh boy was a hard target for the Turkish boxer and his first and third rounds decided their preliminary bout at the 60kg.

Italy’s Gabriele Guidi Rontani started his international career with a silver medal at the 2022 edition of the European Youth Boxing Championships. That event was held in Sofia and the Italian returned to Bulgaria after four years as a member of the elite national team. He had some difficulties against Georgia’s Giorgi Natroshvili but his strong physical skills and strong finish decided this 70kg bout.

Italy’s next young talent in action was Christian Sarsilli, who used his technical skills and footwork to keep Turkmenistan’s Yazmyrat Babishev on long successfully. Another strong 80kg boxer, Austria’s Lucky Aimufua was better in the exchanges than Turkey’s Emre Parlak and he also secured his place in the last 16.

Radoslav Rosenov is not only Bulgaria’s star but one of the best boxers in the European continent and he bowed out of his way, his first opponent, Azerbaijan’s Taghi Nasibov today. The multiple European Champion Bulgarian had unpredictable movements and he used his tricky style of boxing to win his first bout in the Strandja Memorial.

Kazakhstan’s 19-year-old World Champion Torekhan Sabyrkhan was crowned at the Boxam Elite Tournament in La Nucia, Alicante region today after a fantastic final bout.

Altogether 90 women and 124 men boxers from 21 nations and four continents are participated for the 20 available titles in Spain’s boxing city.

The bout of the day

Kazakhstan’s Torekhan Sabyrkhan earned a gold medal at the 2024 Youth World Boxing Championships and he became the winner in Liverpool among the elites half year ago. The 19-year-old Kazakh superstar had a difficult first round against India’s Deepak in the final of the men’s 70kg but he switched his tempo in time in the beginning of the second. The Kazakh teenager tripled his efforts in the second and third rounds and the young World Champion celebrated a gold at the Boxam despite his knee injury.

The surprise of the day

Ukraine’s Pavlo Illiusha started the first round relatively slowly but he found the best range against India’s strong Ankush in the second. The Ukrainian knew how to find the weak points of the Indian boxer and he had also the heart in the second and third rounds to keep the physical level of their 80kg final bout. The referee counted Ankush in the final minute of the title contest which guaranteed Illiusha’s gold medal in La Nucia.

The Round-up

India’s Manju Rani achieved a silver medal at the 2019 Women’s World Boxing Championships as a newcomer in the national team. She is now a very experienced boxer in the international level and she started the first round better than Spain’s first female finalist, Marta Lopez Del Arbol. The Indian used her counter-attacking style of boxing in all of the three rounds and she succeeded in the first final of the day.

India’s former Youth World Champion Nitu Ghanghas used the same style of boxing as Manju Rani in her women’s 51kg final. She controlled the second India vs. Spain female title contest and the southpaw bagged a gold medal in the opening event of the year. India’s third-in-a-row gold medal was achieved by the 2021 Youth World Champion Poonam who had a tight success over her teammate, the Paris Olympian Preeti Pawar.

Thailand’s Asian Champion Punrawee Ruenros used her brilliant technical skills to keep the best distance against Netherlands’ lone finalist, Gabriella Weerheim at the 57kg. The 20-year-old Dutch girl won three contests during her road to the final bout but the two-time Olympian Ruenros was too experienced for her today. The Thai No.1 was a genius in the ring in terms of technical skills and she claimed a gold medal for her nation against a developing rival.

England’s powerful Kayla Allen has only four years of experience in the sport but she marched to the finals of the Boxam at the 65kg. The English proved against Kazakhstan’s Asian Junior Champion Nazerke Serik that she is a real fighter and she tried to use her in-fighting style in the final. The final verdict was depended on their performance in the last round when Allen was able to win the bout with great finish.

England’s newcomer Mary-Kate Smith was highly competitive to one of the stars, India’s World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain but her silver medal is also a fantastic achievement at the Boxam. Ukraine’s Raisa Piskun also showed her development in this prestigious international event, she was near to beat India’s Naina at the women’s 80kg final.

Kazakhstan’s two-time World Champions such as Sanzhar Tashkenbay and Makhmud Sabyrkhan both were highly confident in their final bouts at the 50kg and 55kg weight categories. Tashkenbay defeated a local Spanish teenager with points decision while Makhmud’s English opponent, Ellis Trowbridge was stopped by the ringside doctor.

The quote of the day

“I would like to thank for my coaches, the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation, my country and sponsors to be here at the Boxam Tournament with the national team. The organizers have done a great job in this international event. I fought for my proud nation with full heart and I succeeded in Spain for the first time,” said Kazakhstan’s 19-year-old Torekhan Sabyrkhan after his final success.

One of the most exciting parts of a competition, the semi-finals featured at the Boxam Elite Tournament in La Nucia, Alicante region today. Ukraine, England and host Spain were the best countries among the European nations during the semi-finals while Kazakhstan and India impressed

Altogether 90 women and 124 men boxers from 21 nations and four continents are participating for the 20 available titles in Spain’s boxing city.

The bout of the day

Spain’s Pablo Coy recovered from his serious injury last November and he used the recent two months to reach his previous level of boxing. The local boy tried to keep Ukraine’s Pavlo Illiusha on long and he landed nice hooks in the first round to take the lead on the scorecards. The Ukrainian switched into a high rhythm in the second and he overcame Coy in the attacks several times to turn back their semi-final.

The surprise of the day

Kazakhstan’s Nurzat Ongarov returned to the Boxam Tournament as a titleholder of the competition but he suffered an unexpected loss in the semi-finals of the men’s 50kg. Spain’s teenager, Ismael Maghraoui exceeded all of the previous expectations and he won their tough semi-final bout by 4:1 split decision. The Spaniard will now meet another Kazakh boxer for the title, the two-time World Champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay. 

The Round-up

Marta Lopez del Arbol is one of the best elite female boxers in Spain with eight years of international routine and she started well against Kazakhstan’s Youth World Champion Yelyanur Turganova in the first round. The Spaniard was patient, waited for the best attacking moments and she had the massive advantage on the scorecards after two rounds. Lopez, who found back her way to the 48kg, and she managed to beat the 19-year-old Kazakh therefore she can meet for the title India’s Manju Rani.

Noelia Gutierrez was born in a boxing family and she started her career as a small child in the city of the historic Cordoba. She turned 19 a few months ago and she had an even younger opponent in the semi-finals of the 51kg, Ukraine’s Taisiia Pokusai. The Ukrainian was taller but Gutierrez had the speedy actions to win their semi-final bout today which means that the Spanish teenager will be able to test herself against India’s Nitu for the title.

Ivy-Jane Smith had an excellent junior and youth career in the 2010s and after a few years of hiatus, she returned to the national team. The English southpaw was not only active but she surprised India’s Youth World Champion Poonam in the first round with her attacking style of boxing. The 23-year-old Indian found the right tactics against Smith in the second round and she turned back their 54kg semi-final bout.

Netherlands’ Gabriella Weerheim won two contests already in the Boxam Tournament and she bowed out her third rival out of her way today. The 20-year-old Dutch was better rounds by rounds and she had the clear success over England’s Vivien Parsons therefore she will face for the gold Thailand’s Asian Champion Punrawee Ruenros at the 57kg.

Ukraine’s Tetiana Dovhal had an excellent success in the quarter-final of the women’s 60kg and she met a powerful Asian opponent, Thailand’s Thananya Somnuek in the last four today. The 21-year-old Ukrainian kept her Thai rival on long in most of the exchanges and she gave in 110% to win this incredible semi-final. She claimed a silver medal in La Nucia at the Youth World Boxing Championships and she is a finalist in a Spanish event once again.

Ukraine’s Anastasia Taran is another youngster in their national team but she was so successful in the U17 and U19 age groups. The 18-year-old boxer worked from longer distance against France’s Andrea Badin and her tactics paid off in the first and second rounds. After her solid advantage on the judges’ scorecards, she saved some fuel for the finals which will be a tough one against India’s Arundhati Choudhary.

England’s Ellis Trowbridge had two very tight contests during his road to the semi-finals of the men’s 55kg weight category. The English met one of the surprise winners of the division, Canada’s Maximus Tomines and he prepared well against the North American youngster. Trowbridge managed his bout very well, he controlled the first and seconds and he saved fuel for the upcoming final in the third.

Ukraine’s tough Elvin Aliyev amazed in the first round against Spain’s Paris Olympian Oier Ibarreche and his opponent’s ringside abandoned their semi-final at the 65kg. His teammate, the former World Champion Yuriy Zakharieiev returned to the business in top shape and he performed strongly in the first round against Kazakhstan’s Aman Konsbekov. The Ukrainian was not able to repeat that performance in the second and third rounds therefore the Kazakh eliminated him in that 75kg semi-final.

The quote of the day

“I was a bit nervous in this semi-final because I got a bye in the quarter-finals and this was my first bout in the Boxam. I have already experience to fight against Indian boxers but I know I will have a hard job tomorrow against Manju Rani. I will do my best to make my team proud,” said Spain’s Marta Lopez del Arbol after her semi-final.

The Boxam Elite Tournament continued with further 45 contests in La Nucia, Alicante region in the second day of boxing. Wales’ Rosie Eccles did not box since the Paris Olympics but she made a wonderful and successful comeback in the Boxam today. 

Altogether 90 women and 124 men boxers from 21 nations and four continents are participating for the 20 available titles in Spain’s boxing city.

 The bout of the day

England’s Ellis Trowbridge and Ukraine’s Maksym Zymenko both won international events in 2025 and they started their annual pathways at the Boxam Tournament. The English tried to keep the distance against the attacking Ukrainian and her strategy paid off in the first round of their 55kg bout. Zymenko moved forward in all of the three rounds during their 55kg preliminary but Trowbridge had the routine to handle the fight.

The surprise of the day

Canada’s Maximus Tomines is not an experienced boxer in the national team yet but he shocked Spain’s European Champion Martin Molina with his strategy. 

The Canadian had only 69 bouts during his career and this event is his first event in Europe but Molina did not find the best weapon against him. The Hamilton-based Canadian was able to keep the same rhythm until the very end of this 55kg bout and he caused the surprise of the day.

The Round-up

Spain’s Noelia Gutierrez is only 19 but she has plenty of international experience from the recent five years. The Spaniard reduced the fighting distance successfully in the first round against Kazakhstan’s Rakhmina Abdumezhitova and she dominated the second with heavy punches. Gutierrez is in strong promising stage and she performed well enough to win her preliminary bout unanimously.

France’s Mayssoun Bourega was a surprise in the national team in 2025 and she proved her further progress in preliminary of the women’s 51kg today. The young French found the best fighting range against Ukraine’s Tetiana Ostrovska in the first round and she kept her opponent on long to win this contest today.

Ukraine’s Anastasia Taran is a youngster in the elite national team, she has just moved up from the U19 squad but she was energetic today. The Ukrainian dominated the first round against Spain’s Lorena Lopez and she finished the job in the second with a stoppage at the women’s 70kg weight class.

Wales’ No.1, the Commonwealth Games winner Rosie Eccles returned to the national squad and she put two top events to the focus this year. The Boxam Tournament is part of her preparation and she landed the jabs with perfect timing in all of the three rounds to beat Spain’s Anastasiya Sokolovska.  

England’s Mary-Kate Smith began boxing only four years ago but she reached the level of the national team so quickly and she received the right to compete at the Boxam. She was in shape in her opener against Spain’s Adame Garcia and her tough combinations were decisive today in this 75kg contest.

Kazakhstan sent its best male team to the Boxam Tournament with several World Champions on the board. Their Torekhan Sabyrkhan won his opener on Day1 and another World Champion in the team, Sanzhar Tashkenbay made a strong debut on Day2. The 22-year-old Kazakh landed punches whenever he wanted and he eliminated a younger Indian opponent, Rishi Singh today.

Ukraine’s Pavlo Illiusha moved up to the 80kg weight class in the recent one year and he tried to find the best counter-attacking angles in his bout against Thailand’s Olympian Weerapon Jongjoho. The Ukrainian had excellent defensive skills in their meeting and he eliminated a top Asian opponent in the second day of boxing.

Spain’s Pablo Coy has fully recovered from his hand injury and had a quick success in the first competition day in La Nucia. The local boy did not underestimate Belgium’s Rayen Ben Othmen and he used a patient style of boxing in the first round. The Belgian landed tough punches in the second round but Coy used better defence in the third to win this quarter-final bout on home soil.

The quote of the day

“The Paris Olympics did not go well for me and I had also a serious injury after that so the last 18 months were very difficult in my life. After all these problems, I am so happy to return to the competitions and I enjoyed my first contest here in Spain. I have two big targets this year and I have just started my road on it,” said Wales’ Rosie Eccles about her successful return.

The Boxam Elite Tournament opened with 46 preliminary contests in La Nucia, Alicante region in the first day of boxing. Ukraine’s Bozorboy Matyakubov won the tightest bout of the day but Canada’s surprise winner Gabriel Aly Labrie and Luxembourg’s Benik Melkumian also had strong start on Day1.  

Altogether 90 women and 124 men boxers from 21 nations and four continents are participating for the 20 available titles in Spain’s boxing city.

The bout of the day

Ukraine’s Bozorboy Matyakubov and Scotland’s Sonny Kerr amazed all of the experts and the crowd in their preliminary bout at the men’s 70kg on Day1. Both are members of the next generations and they impressed already in the first round, landing several punches. The Scottish tried to keep the Ukrainian on long but Matyakubov had the speed to do his own game play. The Ukrainian, who was born in the Uzbek city of Urgench, had the physical skills in the third round to win the closest bout of the day.

The surprise of the day

Canada’s Gabriel Aly Labrie had only 52 contests before the start of the Boxam Tournament but he shocked his experienced opponent from Kazakhstan, Sanatali Toltayev in the first round. The Canadian was quicker in the exchanges and he looked well-motivated against a top Central Asian boxer who began his international career back in 2014. Labrie, who began boxing only in 2018, worked well enough in their entire bout to deliver the biggest surprise of the first competition day.

The Round-up

Netherlands’ Youth World bronze medallist Gabriella Weerheim is relatively small at the women’s 57kg weight class but she is an aggressive boxer with continuous attacks. She put Kazakhstan’s Shakhnaz Issayeva under pressure from the first seconds and her second and third rounds guaranteed the success against a taller opponent.

Ukraine’s Tetiana Dovhal was a silver medallist at the 2022 edition of the Youth World Boxing Championships and she returned to La Nucia with upgraded technical skills. She had a tight first and second rounds against France’s Lisa Nouiceur but the 22-year-old Ukrainian gave in everything in the third to decide their 60kg meeting.

Netherlands’ next female sensation, the Youth World Champion Maud Van der Toorn had some difficulties in the first round against Kazakhstan’s Ayazhan Yermek, a teenage hopeful in their national team. The 18-year-old Kazakh was effective in the exchanges in the first round but Van der Toorn turned up the heat in the second and she found the winning strategy in time in their 60kg bout.

Czechia’s Viktorie Jilkova is the current European U19 Champion at the women’s 65kg weight class and she joined the elite age group this January. The Czech teenager tried to use her longer reach than the Ukrainian opponent, Maryna Shevchenko and she had a tight advantage on the judges’ scorecards after one round. The referee counted the Ukrainian in the second round and the 18-year-old Czech deserved to win her first contest in La Nucia.

The ex-French boxer, Benik Melkumian finally received his new passport in Luxembourg and he travelled to the Boxam to compete against the best of the bests. Luxembourg’s new pride had a powerful opening round against Canada’s Fuzayl Rakhimov but both boxers had similar technical and tactical skills. Melkumian had the stamina in the third round to beat the Canadian and he marched to the next round at the men’s 60kg.

England’s Jack Dryden competed at the 2023 European Games and he worked hard in the recent years to reach the level of the top boxers. The English boxer kept the focus in all of the three rounds against a speedy Kazakh, Daulet Moldashev and he celebrated a tight 3:2 success over a favourite rival.

Spain’s Paris Olympian and European U22 Champion Oier Ibarreche always had tough first fights in his competitions and he was not enough shape against Belgium’s Bruxelles Capital Tournament winner Rasul Tisayev in the opener. The Spaniard was more confident from the second round but the younger Belgian was highly competitive in their preliminary contest.

The quote of the day

“We had the right strategy against the Kazakh girl, I tried to work from close distance and do my best in the corners. She looked tired at the end and I am happy to win my first contest in this strong Boxam,” said Netherlands’ Gabriella Weerheim after the contest.

The Technical Meeting of the Boxam Elite Tournament confirmed the participation of 90 women and 124 men boxers from 21 nations and four continents.

Mr. Tomas Smid of Czechia is the Technical Delegate of the new edition of the prestigious Boxam Elite Tournament in La Nucia, Spain who led the Technical Meeting and the Official Draw together with the Spanish LOC.

Spain is active in boxing map with growing business and their prestigious Boxam Elite Tournament for the women and men boxers will take place in the sport city of La Nucia, Alicante region in Spain on February 3-7.

The international pre-training has already concluded in La Nucia between January 25 and February 2 where ten nations arranged strong sparring sessions.  

The Boxam Elite Tournament will be one of the first competitions in 2026 and the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation worked hard to arrange a top quality event.

The accommodation of the International Training Camp and the Boxam is the 4-stars Melia Benidorm Hotel which is near to the famous beach and the quality of the food is world class.

The facts of the 2026 Boxam Elite Tournament

Name: Boxam Tournament

Competition Period: February 3-7

Venue: La Nucia, Spain

Gender: Women & Men

Age Group: Elite

Date of Birth of the boxers: 1986-2007 born boxers

The schedule of the 2026 Boxam Elite Tournament

February 3, 15:30 – Day1 competition

February 4, 15:30 – Day2 competition

February 5, 15:30 – Day3 competition

February 6, 15:30 – Day4 competition

February 7, 15:30 – Day5 competition with the finals

February 8 – Departures of the delegations

The boxers who need to be watched in the Boxam Elite Tournament

- Sanzhar Tashkenbay, Kazakhstan, men’s 50kg – World Champion 2-times; Asian Champion

- Makhmud Sabyrkhan, Kazakhstan, men’s 55kg – World Champion 2-times; Asian Champion

- Beksultan Boranbek, Kazakhstan, men’s 55kg – Youth World Champion

- Serik Temirzhanov, Kazakhstan, men’s 60kg – World Championships silver medallist

- Torekhan Sabyrkhan, Kazakhstan, men’s 70kg – World Champion in 2025; Youth World Champion in 2024

- Yerassyl Zhakpekov, Kazakhstan, men’s 80kg – Asian U22 Champion

- Nurbek Oralbay, Kazakhstan, men’s 85kg – World Champion

- Sagyndyk Togambay, Kazakhstan, men’s 90kg – Asian Champion

- Aibek Oralbay, Kazakhstan, men’s +90kg – World Champion; Olympic Games silver medallist; Asian Champion

- Yelyanur Turganova, Kazakhstan, women’s 48kg – Youth World Champion

- Viktoriya Baidukova, Kazakhstan, women’s 57kg – Asian U22 Champion

- Chuthamat Raksat, Thailand, women’s 51kg – Two-times World Championships bronze medallist; Asian Champion

- Natnicha Chongprongklang, Thailand, women’s 54kg – Asian Champion

- Punrawee Ruenros, Thailand, women’s 57kg – Asian Champion

- Thanarat Saengphet, Thailand, men’s 55kg – World Championships bronze medallist

- Weerapon Jongjoho, Thailand, men’s 80kg – World Championships bronze medallist

- Tetiana Dovhal, Ukraine, women’s 60kg – Youth World Championships silver medallist; European Youth Champion

- Anastasia Taran, Ukraine, women’s 70kg – European Youth Champion

- Aider Abduraimov, Ukraine, men’s 60kg – European Youth Champion

- Yuriy Zakharieiev, Ukraine, men’s 75kg – World Champion; Youth World Champion

- Dzhamal Kuliyev, Ukraine, men’s 80kg – European U23 Champion

- Nitu, India, women’s 51kg – Youth World Champion

- Poonam, India, women’s 54kg – Youth World Champion

- Arundhati Choudhary, India, women’s 70kg – Youth World Champion

- Lovlina Borgohain, India, women’s 75kg – Olympic Games bronze medallist; World Champion; Asian Champion

- Sanamacha Thokchom Chanu, India, women’s 75kg – Youth World Champion

- Mohammed Hussamuddin, India, men’s 60kg – Commonwealth Games bronze medallist

- Naman Tanwar, India, men’s 90kg – Youth World Championships bronze medallist

- Martin Molina, Spain, men’s 50kg – European Champion

- Oier Ibarreche, Spain, men’s 65kg – European U22 Champion

- Emmanuel Reyes, Spain, men’s 90kg – Olympic Games bronze medallist; World Championships bronze medallist; European Championships silver medallist

- Viktoria Penney, Canada, women’s 75kg – World Championships bronze medallist

- Kaelya Mopin, France, women’s 51kg – European Youth Champion

- Maloe Teresi, France, women’s 57kg – European U19 Champion

- Izaya Gaucher, France, men’s 55kg – European U23 Championships silver medallist

- Maud Van der Toorn, Netherlands, women’s 60kg – Youth World Champion

- Aaliyah Hoppema, Netherlands, women’s 65kg – U19 World Championships silver medallist

- Viktorie Jilkova, Czechia, women’s 65kg – European U19 Champion

- Rosie Eccles, Wales, women’s 75kg – Commonwealth Games winner; European Games bronze medallist

- Aaron Cullen, Scotland, men’s 55kg – European U23 Championships silver medallist

- Jack Dryden, England, men’s 60kg – European U23 Championships bronze medallist

- Isaac Okoh, England, men’s 90kg – European U23 Championships silver medallist

The LOC of the 2026 Boxam Elite Tournament

Royal Spanish Boxing Federation

Mr. Felipe Martinez President

Email: boxam@feboxeo.es & officemanager@feboxeo.es

Poreč, Croatia — The city of Poreč has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 U23 European Boxing Championships, set to take place from 14 to 25 November 2026.

European boxing will once again turn its eyes to the Adriatic coast as Poreč, Croatia, has been officially confirmed as the host city of the U23 European Boxing Championships, scheduled to take place from 14 to 25 November 2026.

Situated on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, Poreč is known for its modern sports facilities and experience in hosting international sporting events, making it an ideal venue for a championship of this scale.

The championship will also highlight the close collaboration between the Croatian Boxing Federation and the European Boxing leadership. This cooperation is reflected in the presence of Mr. Lars Brovil, President of European Boxing, whose support underscores the confidence placed in Croatia’s organisational capabilities and long-term vision for the sport.

The President of the Croatian Boxing Federation, Mr. Bono Bosniak, welcomed the decision, highlighting the championship as another important step in strengthening Croatia’s position within European Boxing. 

With  a vibrant host city, and strong institutional leadership, the 2026 U23 European Boxing Championships in Poreč promise to be a landmark event on the European boxing calendar—both competitively and organisationally.

Job Description Competition Manager

European Boxing is inviting applications for the position of Competition Manager, a key role supporting the federation’s competition structure and regulatory framework.

The Competition Manager will oversee the planning and delivery of European Boxing competitions, ensuring compliance with technical regulations, governance standards, and international sporting rules.

The role involves close coordination with national federations, event organisers, and the European Boxing Sport & Competition Committee to ensure fair, transparent, and well-regulated competitions.

European Boxing is seeking a professional with experience in competition management, strong organisational skills, and a solid understanding of sports regulations and governance principles, with a commitment to athlete welfare and integrity in sport.

Further details regarding responsibilities, requirements, and the application process are provided in the attached PDF Job Description Competition Manager.

European Boxing Announces Host of the 2026 Elite European Championships

European Boxing is pleased to announce that Bulgaria has been selected to host the inaugural Elite European Championships in 2026.

Following a competitive bidding process and a detailed review of all candidate submissions in line with the 2026 Bidding Guidelines, the Executive Board has confirmed Sofia, Bulgaria as the Host City for this landmark event. This will be the first-ever Elite European Championships held under European Boxing, marking an important milestone for our continental organisation.

Bulgaria presented a strong and comprehensive bid, supported by excellent facilities, proven organisational experience, and an official letter of support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. With a long history of delivering high-level international competitions — including multiple European and World Championships — Sofia offers an ideal environment to stage an event of this scale and significance.

The Championships will take place 15th – 26th September 2026, bringing together Europe’s top male and female Elite boxers to compete for continental titles in the heart of the Balkans.

As part of the announcement, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation shared the following message:

Krasimir Ininski, President of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation: “For the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, it is a great honor, privilege, and responsibility to host such a large and significant event as the 2026 European Men’s and Women’s Championships. This is a very important moment in our shared history. We thank EUROPEAN BOXING for the trust and for choosing Bulgaria to host the first Elite Championships under their leadership. Over the years, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation has proven itself as a world-class organizer. Now, however, the responsibility is even greater, because this will be the first European Championships under the auspices of EUROPEAN BOXING.”

European Boxing looks forward to working closely with the Bulgarian Boxing Federation and the Local Organising Committee to deliver a world-class championship and to welcome athletes, teams, officials, and fans to Sofia next year.

European Boxing

Uniting and elevating the sport across our continent.

European Boxing Secretary General Job Description (AO001)

European Boxing is opening applications for the pivotal role of Secretary General. As the federation continues building its governance structure, this position represents one of the key cornerstones in shaping the future of Olympic boxing in Europe.

The Secretary General will serve as the central executive figure responsible for coordinating the organisation’s daily operations, supporting its strategic development, and ensuring that administrative, regulatory, and governance standards are consistently upheld. This role will involve close collaboration with member national federations, European sporting institutions, and World Boxing authorities, making it essential for the successful integration of European Boxing into the broader international sporting framework.

The Secretary General will play a crucial part in reinforcing transparency, athlete protection, and democratic governance—values at the core of the organisation’s mission to safeguard and promote the sport within the Olympic movement.

European Boxing is looking for a committed professional with experience in sports administration, a strong understanding of international governance dynamics, and the capacity to guide the federation.

The first U15 European Boxing Championships under European Boxing was successfully finished in Budva, the city at the coast of Adriatic Sea in Montenegro. It was a spectacular event which lasted from 16-26 October, and gathered 369 boxers from 32 countries.

After eight days of boxing, 33 new European champions were crowned, 16 in women’s and 17 in men’s age group. All the final bouts were held in the phenomenal atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sports Center, where those 13 and 14 year-old boxers showed amazing talent, skills and heart.

The best female boxer is Leona Anaman from England, who boxed in the 54 kg weight category. She managed to win four bouts at this competition, defeating her rivals from Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Turkey.

The best male boxer is Patric Casey from Ireland. He competed in the 44 kg weight category. In the final bout, Casey defeated Falah Husam from Israel by unanimous decision. 

The best referee is Maria Blagoeva from Bulgaria, while trophies for best teams went to England, Ukraine and Ireland. England made great results at this championships winning 10 gold medals, 1 silver and 2 bronze. Ukraine won 6 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze medals, and team Ireland has 4 champions, 3 vice-champions and 6 bronze medalists.

European Boxing U15 Championships was organized at a high level, with the Boxing Association of Montenegro once again showing all of their organizational skills and abilities. During the championships, the LOC hosted the European Boxing Executive Board meeting. Event was attended by Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing President, Lars Brovil, European Boxing President and Michael Muller, World Boxing Executive Board member.

The first European Championships for the 13 and 14 years old boys and girls boxers under the European Boxing successfully started in Budva, Montenegro. This major event exceeded all expectations with the great number of athletes and participating countries. All together 369 boxers from 32 countries take part in this very important event.

Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine sent their best boxers in Budva.

131 girls and 238 boys will try to be crowned with European titles.                                   

The Technical Delegate of this competition is Mr. Michael Jensen from Denmark, who led the technical meeting and official draw on 17 October. Program is being held at the Mediterranean Sports Centre every day until Saturday, 25 October, when the grand finale will take place.

The city of Budva at the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro has been a popular boxing location during the last six years.

This attractive Mediterranean city was host to many major boxing events such as four European Championships, World Championships, European Boxing Cup and Youth World Cup events.

The Montenegro Boxing Association is known for their organizational abilities, confirmed many times by all participants that visited Budva. 

They proved it once again with a spectacular opening ceremony that was held in Budva Old Town, and which included a fantastic team parade, music spectacle and great fireworks. The ceremony was attended by the World Boxing President Mr. Boris van der Vorst, European Boxing President Mr. Lars Brovil, European Olympic Committee Sports Director Mr. Peter Brull and the President of Municipality of Budva Mr. Nikola Jovanovic.

Ostrava, Czech Republic – The city of Ostrava is hosting the European Boxing U19 Championships from September 30 to October 10, marking a significant milestone as the first continental tournament organized by the newly established European Boxing Confederation (EB).

The competition has drawn 294 young athletes — 189 men and 105 women — representing 33 National Federations from across Europe. Throughout the competition, boxers face each other in both afternoon and evening sessions, offering audiences a dynamic showcase of the continent’s rising amateur talents.

A rest day on October 6 separates the preliminary rounds from the decisive semifinals, held on October 7 and 8, leading up to the much-anticipated finals that close the championship.

The tournament stands as a symbol of renewal and unity within European Olympic Boxing. With the formation of the European Boxing Confederation, this championship opens a new era focused on development, inclusion, and fair play.

Ostrava, renowned for its vibrant sporting culture, provides a fitting stage for this historic edition, where hundreds of promising boxers will compete for continental titles and the chance to make their mark on the international scene.

As the bouts unfold, attention will turn to which nations will rise to the top and which young boxers will emerge as the future stars of European boxing.

The European Boxing Federation (EBF) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 1st Ringside Doctors Course, held in Oslo, Norway, on 6–7 September 2025. The course was led by the Chair of the EBF Medical Commission, Dr. David McDonagh, and marked an important milestone in strengthening medical expertise within European boxing.

Over the course of two intensive days, 24 doctors from 13 countries participated in a dynamic program that combined lectures, discussions, and practical training sessions. Delegates traveled from Andorra, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Türkiye, and Wales. Five female doctors took part in this pioneering initiative, underlining the growing diversity within the medical community of our sport.

The course’s primary objective was to enhance ringside medical standards across Europe, ensuring that athletes receive the highest level of care during competition. Following this successful launch, the Federation plans to invite selected participants to upcoming events, thereby expanding the EBF Ringside Doctor Pool to better support competitions across the continent.

Looking ahead, the EBF Medical Commission intends to organize the 2nd Ringside Doctors Course in September 2026, further consolidating this vital program.

The European Boxing Federation extends its sincere gratitude to the Norwegian Boxing Federation (NBF) for hosting and supporting this inaugural course. Their commitment and investment were instrumental in making the event a success.

To all European Boxing National Federations, Dear, Boxers, coaches, officials and boxing leaders across Europe. On behalf of the European Boxing Executive Board, it is a great pleasure and honour to welcome you all to European Boxing 30th September to 9th October: U19 Championships 2025 for women and men.

First and foremost, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our hosts — Czech Boxing Association and the local organizing committee, and the city of Ostrava, for their outstanding contribution, hospitality, dedication, and unwavering support within European Boxing to bring this very first European Boxing Championship U19 for women and men to life.

The Czech Boxing Association and its organization, have a long history in hosting great remarkable boxing tournaments and alongside with, Czech Boxing Associations deep commitment to our boxing sports, its values we deeply trust the European Boxing U19 Championships to be in the possible best hands.

Yours In Boxing
Lars Brovil
President

U19 Championship Information - European Boxing 

U19 Championship Entry Form - European Boxing 

European Boxing has agreed to a commercial partnership with Sting, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of premium boxing equipment.

The exclusive, four-year sponsorship deal means Sting will become European Boxing’s official equipment supplier and provide all the gloves, protectives, hand-wraps, tapes and training equipment used by boxers during European Boxing tournaments including European Boxing Championships.

The agreement also includes, that Sting will provide expertise and advice on the development of competition equipment and contribute to the work of European Boxing’s Sport and Competition Committee.

European Boxing’s President, Lars Brovil, said: “we want the best for our boxers. Signing a partnership with one of the world’s top suppliers of premium boxing equipment is extremely positive for European Boxing and its members. It shows that a leading boxing brand like Sting shares our values and principles and want to be associated with European Boxing.

“This deal will significantly enhance the quality and prestige of our competitions and is great news for all of the boxers using Sting equipment in European Boxing tournaments in the coming years, as they know they will be competing with top quality products and equipment.”

Frank Koch, Managing Director, Sting Europe, said: “It is great for Sting to be European Boxing’s first commercial partner and we are very excited agree to this four-year sponsorship deal that will ensure boxers competing at European Boxing events will have access to the safest and best equipment which will enable them to perform at their best and achieve their full potential.”

Sting is a supplier of premium boxing equipment for Olympic boxers, professionals and fitness participants. Sting was the official equipment supplier for boxing to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and has supply agreements with over 20 leading National Federations. Furthermore, Sting is the exclusive Equipment Supplier for World Boxing as well.

Location:  Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Norway

Date:         06 - 07 September 2025

Organized by: NBF - Norwegian Boxing Federation

Speakers: Dr. David McDonagh, Chair European Boxing Medical Commission, Chair Norwegian Boxing Federation Medical Commission

Organizer: Prof. Therese Bjørnaas

Language: English

Registration:1st of July is the final date for registering. No registrations will be accepted after this date.

This course is for medical doctors, both experienced and newcomers,  wishing to learn more about the role of the Ringside Doctor in boxing. The course is open to national federations that are affiliated members of European Boxing.
Registration: Please email Therese Bjørnaas at tmib@dmmh.no to register.

Expenses: Participants are responsible for their own transportation and hotel accommodation costs. Breakfast will be included in the hotel price. You can reserve a room using the following link, which already includes a discounted rate: https://www.thonhotels.com/event/norges-bokseforbund-air/

Saturday - Lunch and evening conference dinner will be provided by the NBF.
Sunday - Lunch will be provided by the Norwegian Boxing Federation.

Number of participants: We have set a limit of 20 participants as there will be a practical session with instructors.                                  
For any questions, feel free to contact Therese via email.
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Saturday 06 September

0900 – 0945 Participant presentation/ existing medical rules and guidelines/ best practices/ annual examinations, pre- and post-bout examinations, McDonagh

0945 – 1000 Break

1000 – 1030 Injury prevention programs, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, van Wijk, McDonagh

1030 – 1115 Management of Cuts, Nosebleeds, McDonagh

1115 – 1125 Break

1125 – 1200 Management of eye, ear and other facial injuries, McDonagh                                          

1200 – 1300 Lunch Break

1300 – 1345 Concussion – recognition and modern Best Practice Principles, McDonagh

1345 – 1400 Break                  

1400 – 1445 SCAT 6 and practical session, van Wijk, McDonagh

1445 – 1500 Break

1500 – 1545 Other Medical emergencies, incl. cardiac, respiratory, allergic, etc., McDonagh

1545 – 1600 Break                                                              

1600 – 1645 Return to Boxing, restriction periods, boxer´s competition book , van Wijk          

1645 – 1700 Discussion          

19.30            Conference Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Sunday 07 September

0900 - 0930 Fractures, dislocations, neck and joint injuries, soft tissue injuries McDonagh        

1000 - 1015 Bus to Pugilist Boxing Club for practical session

1015 - 1145 Down Boxer, ring entry, boxer management – McDonagh, van Wijk                         

1145 - 1145 Bus back to Thon Hotel

1200 - 1300 Lunch Break

1300 - 1330 Antidoping, van Wijk                                                  

1330 - 1345 Summary, Discussion                                                 

1400 - 1500 Written exam

1500 - 1515 Break                                                              

1515 -1615 Practical Exam                                                             

1615 - 1630 Summary , McDonagh

1630            End of Course with certificate award ceremony.

Dear National Federation,

European Boxing has now taken it´s first step in the training of beginner and more experienced Ringside Doctors in Europe - the NBF/European Boxing Ringside Doctor Course in Oslo 6 – 7 September 2025. Our goal is to develop a pool of competent doctors who can assist federations nationally and European Boxing internationally.

Having completed the introductory course, we would like to choose one or two national Ringside Doctors to attend each of this year´s major European Championships (U15, U17, U19 and U23) to give them the necessary exposure and experience to participate at national and international events. They will be accompanied by an experienced European Boxing Medical Commission doctor for person-to-person training at these tournaments.

We are therefore requesting that each National Federation propose a minimum of one Ringside Doctor to join the European Boxing Ringside Doctor Pool. Beginner doctors should have attended the September course in Oslo. More experienced Ringside Doctors can be proposed directly. Finding doctors who are willing to take 10 days leave from their place of employment is not easy, so we would plan for a 4 – day stay at each event. Travel expenses will fall on the
National Federations.

We would ask each National Federation to support this important educational project, as it will benefit the organizers of boxing events at both a national and continental level.

We look forward to continuing support going forward.

Best regards,
Dr. David McDonagh
European Boxing Medical Commission Chair