Coronavirus forces Youth and Junior Championships postponements

The England Boxing National Youth Championships and England Boxing National Junior Championships 2021 have been postponed because of the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic.

While a framework for the return of full contact boxing has now been outlined by the government, progress will not be at a pace where Youth and Junior boxers will have ample time to spar and train adequately for competition bouts.

Alongside this, it can also be confirmed that no competitive boxing of any kind will take place before the end of February at the earliest.

The decisions were taken at the December meeting of the England Boxing board.

“We recognise that boxers will need at least six weeks of preparation time ahead of the Youths which would start regionally in January, meaning they would have needed to have been contact training in all areas of the country, regardless of tiers, from November,” said England Boxing Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins.

“Similarly, for March’s Juniors, the competition would usually start regionally in mid-February, with full contact training needing to start in early January at the latest.

“Given the timescales previously indicated by the government around the tier system and relaxing of restrictions, it disappointingly makes it impossible that these events can happen keeping to the original schedules.

“With that in mind, it is with deep regret and a heavy heart that they have taken the decision to postpone the Youth and Junior Championships now in order to give boxers, coaches and clubs clarity.”

England Boxing can confirm that it hopes to stage 2021 Youth and Junior Championships later in the year, either late in the current season or early in 2021-22 season.

A further communication will be issued regarding the selection of the England Talent Youth and Junior squads for 2021 international competitions – which could happen before the respective National Championships – in due course.