The BUCS Boxing Championships return this weekend, with action taking place at the Ravelin Sports Centre, University of Portsmouth, from 23–25 January 2026, and Northumbria University will be well represented with 11 boxers stepping into the ring.
In 2025, Northumbria finished top of the men’s team standings, outperforming Loughborough and Nottingham with the team delivering an impressive medal haul, securing three gold medals and three silver medals, alongside multiple semi‑final and quarter‑final appearances. The team will be aiming for similar success this time around.
Ahead of the championships, we spoke to Northumbria’s Boxing Coach, Ross Wilkinson who is positive heading into the competition, highlighting both new talent and experienced boxers within the team.
“I’m excited for these championships this year with a lot of new faces in the team and a returning member who had a year out last year,” said Wilkinson.
Despite some setbacks during preparation, the team enters the championships with a proven track record.
“We have been hit with a few injuries this year, so we have one returning gold medallist and two returning silver medallists who will want to go one further this year.”
Wilkinson added that performance standards remain high as the squad looks to build on last season’s achievements.
“Our aim is to try and improve on last year and keep our standards high. I’m looking forward to working with the team and seeing how they perform over the weekend.”
Squad Breakdown
The University’s boxers will be competing across multiple bout categories:
0–5 Bout Category
- Leslie Craig – 55kg
- Kieran Blades – 60kg
- Leon Marshall – 65kg
- Gideon Amofah – 85kg
- Austin Onyesonwu – 90kg
0–4 Bout Category (Female)
- Elysa Moss – 51kg
- Ruby Connell – 67.5kg
6–13 Bout Category
- Marius Murkula – 60kg
14+ Bout Category
- Mahmood Karnaba – 65kg
- Jason Redpath – 70kg
- Divine Omojor – 85kg
With a mix of emerging talent and experienced medal contenders, the team will be aiming for podium finishes and strong performances throughout the three-day event.
From everyone here at Northumbria Sport, good luck to all our competitors.
