The British boxing team delivered impressive performances at the 2024 Dacal World Cup, held in Móstoles, Spain, from September 23 to 29. Out of the 15 boxers selected to represent Team GB, 11 secured medals, including six golds, further cementing the rise of the GB Boxing programme.
Confirmed Talents and Memorable Debuts
The tournament brought together promising boxers, some of whom had recently served as sparring partners for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, such as Lauren Mackie, Isaac Okoh, and Damar Thomas. They were joined by a series of young talents like Olivia Holmes and Kelsey Oakley, both of whom medalled at the Eindhoven Box Cup in May, and newcomers to the British boxing programme such as Kayla Allen and Demeji Shittu.
The tournament kicked off with spectacular victories, including Lauren Mackie (54 kg), who claimed gold after a unanimous win over Spain’s Maria Gonzalez Caceres. Sacha Hickey (63 kg) also dominated her opponents, securing her title after forcing Hungarian Vivien Budai to retire in the semi-finals, before defeating Megan de Cler from the Netherlands in the final.
Among the boxers making their senior team debuts, Kayla Allen (66 kg) stood out by claiming gold after victories over Spain’s Mariana Torres and her compatriot Caitlin Rainey in the final. Odel Kamara (71 kg), also competing for the first time with GB Boxing, delivered three impressive bouts, defeating Hungarian, Spanish, and British opponents to take the top spot on the podium.
Finally, Teagn Stott (86 kg) continued his winning streak by beating opponents from Hungary and Montenegro, clinching a hard-fought final with a split decision (3:2). Damar Thomas (92+ kg), returning after a 14-month absence, marked his comeback with two stunning victories, finishing both fights before the limit against opponents from Moldova and Spain, showing great promise for the 19-year-old’s future career.
Silver and Bronze Medals Complete the British Medal Haul
Silver medals were won by Olivia Holmes (57 kg) and Isaac Okoh (92 kg), both narrowly losing in their respective finals. Aaron Cullen (54 kg) also took silver after being forced to retire due to injury. Bronze medals went to Zoe Andrews (54 kg) and Oladimeji Shittu (80 kg), who both competed in their first tournament with Team GB.
British Medal Summary:
Gold:
- Lauren Mackie (54 kg)
- Sacha Hickey (63 kg)
- Kayla Allen (66 kg)
- Odel Kamara (71 kg)
- Teagn Stott (86 kg)
- Damar Thomas (92+ kg)
Silver:
- Olivia Holmes (57 kg)
- Aaron Cullen (54 kg)
- Isaac Okoh (92 kg)
Bronze:
- Zoe Andrews (54 kg)
- Oladimeji Shittu (80 kg)
