The U23 European Boxing Championships, held this year in Budapest, have already showcased the promise and depth of Britain’s young talent in the Noble Art—even before all semi-final bouts have been completed. Kayla Allen and Kelsey Oakley, both already guaranteed at least a bronze after reaching the last four, went one step further yesterday by securing their place in the final.
Two Parallel Paths to the Final
From the opening rounds onward, both Allen and Oakley made it clear they were ready to take on Europe’s elite. Allen, from the London area, immediately caught the eye in her first contest against France’s Maelys Richol, a bout halted at the end of the first round when her opponent withdrew. She then edged past Ava Henry by the narrowest of margins— a 3–2 split decision—just enough to see her through to the final. There, she will be determined to leave the Hungarian capital with gold around her neck, provided she can overcome Crinuta Sebe.
In the lighter weight classes, Oakley—hailing from Dudley in the West Midlands—has relied on the discipline and tactical nous honed during her kickboxing background. Her steady progression and technical control carried her to two comfortable unanimous-decision victories in the 51kg category.
The Significance of a Double Qualification
Having both Kayla Allen and Kelsey Oakley in the final of the U23 European Championships—while awaiting the outcomes for Abdulrahman Burton, Bobby Wallace and Damar Thomas, who could yet join them—sends a powerful message about the state of British boxing, both men’s and women’s. It shows the country is nurturing a generation capable of competing with the very best and excelling on the international stage.
For Allen, this final is another step towards her long-term ambition: reaching the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and establishing her name alongside the greats of the sport. For Oakley, it is further proof of a career already enriched by broader international experience.
Beyond their individual aspirations, their joint success in Budapest symbolises renewed optimism surrounding British boxing. This comes at a time when the Olympic future of the sport had been under scrutiny—an uncertainty now resolved thanks to the emergence of World Boxing. The U19 World Championships, staged by the new governing body just over a year ago, saw an even younger British contingent shine with 12 medals, including 9 golds shared between England and Wales.
These achievements highlight the strength and vibrancy of a sport that continues to develop champions and inspire new talent. By reaching the top of the competition—and with the prospect of gold still within reach—Allen and Oakley are not only advancing their own careers: they are carrying the flag for a nation confident in its future inside the ropes.
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