GB Junior and Youth Three Nations 2022: England squads ready for challenge

The last time a GB Three Nations was held in England, Manchester City had just thrashed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup Final, the travel agent Thomas Cook was still trading and Donald Trump was in power as President of the United States.

In the 36 months since then, the world, and boxing itself, has been dominated by the Coronavirus Pandemic, but, thankfully, the fightback is now on.

Two sets of National Championships at both Junior and Youth levels have now taken place at the back end of 2021 and in the early stages of 2022 and it’s been abundantly clear that the enforced break has not dimmed the skill, enthusiasm and dedication of young boxers up and down the country.

And the thirst to be crowned Britain’s best in this weekend’s international match-up against Scotland and Wales at the Barnsley Metrodome has not been diminished either, with no less than 79 boxers in all (47 Junior and 32 Youth) in the initial squad and ready to pull on a Three Lions vest.

The Junior boxers among them will doubtless have one eye on the upcoming EUBC Junior European Championships 2022 in Monza, Italy in late September and early October this autumn.

Good performances here would only push their case for selection for that major, with national selectors sure to be watching on.

For the Youth boxers, who have already had their Europeans in April, where England claimed a record four golds and record-equalling seven medals, there are still plenty of reasons for wanting to put on a good show.

The Euro medallists who will be in Barnsley such as Owen Ketley (Lionheart, pictured top), Osama Mohamed (Lions) and Lauren Mackie (Burton Park, pictured above, left) will be determined to demonstrate why they were on the rostrum in Sofia Bulgaria. For others in that squad who did not perform to their best, it is the chance for some kind of redemption.

All concerned will hope to push their claims for the Youth World Championships 2022 in November on the back of international tournament success in their own back yard.

Whatever each boxer’s ambitions, there promises to be some high-quality bouts against visiting teams from Scotland and Wales who are also looking to re-establish themselves at international level after lockdown measures.

For England Boxing Development Coach Amanda Coulson, the a first international event back on home turf (other duels and championships have been north or west of the border or overseas) is an occasion to relish.

She said: “It’s exciting to have international boxing return to England after such a lengthy lay-off and it will be fantastic to see so many of our boxers wearing the Three Lions with pride.

“For some it will be their first time and will be a great development and experience opportunity, while for others who have already competed it is more top-class exposure for them as they look to further their respective careers.

“Success for us as the England Talent Programme, with us as hosts and therefore being able to enter two boxers in each category, would be to have as many England v England finals as possible, but we know there is going to be stiff opposition from the Scottish and Welsh teams.

“We aim to give the boxers a taste of what it is like to be part of Team England, being away from home with a team, in that environment and with an England coach in the corner, so that they are ready for it when they go to box in international tournaments abroad.

“The experience they will get from that is priceless and we are very much looking forward to a quality weekend of boxing.”

Spectator details

Find out all you need to know if you’re attending as a spectator by clicking here.

Live streaming

You can find details of how to watch every bout live by clicking here.

Follow on social media

You can follow the action on England Boxing’s Instagram home page, Facebook page and TikTok page, while lives results and videos will be posted on the England Boxing twitter page.

All coverage across social media will use the hashtag #GB3N22

You can go to the England Boxing’s GB Three Nations home page by clicking here.

England squads

Note that some boxers may not box if they cannot be matched against opponents from Scotland or Wales.