A 15-year-old boxer from Newton Aycliffe is set to represent England on the European stage after being selected for the U17 European Championships in Montenegro. Emily Denham, who boxes out of Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, will compete in the women’s U70kg category at the championships in Budva from 1–12 October 2026.
Selection for England squad
Emily has been named in England’s 15-strong squad heading to the U17 European Championships. The selection marks another major milestone for the teenager and will see her return to Montenegro, where she was crowned U15 European Champion in 2025.
Her achievements also include becoming Cadet Schools Champion, Class A Schools Champion, Class B Schools Champion and Junior 4 Nations Champion, building an impressive record of national and international success despite being just 15 years old.
Training and ambitions
As a member of the England Boxing Performance Pathway, Emily regularly travels to Sheffield for England training. This is alongside maintaining a demanding daily training and running schedule as well as school. Her long-term ambition is to represent Great Britain at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
Looking ahead to the championships and her longer-term ambitions, Emily said: "I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent England again."
"Boxing is a huge part of my life, and I’m grateful to everyone who supports me, especially my family, my coaches and everyone at Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club."
"My dream is to one day compete at the Olympic Games, and I’m determined to work as hard as I can to give myself the best chance of getting there."
Support network and sponsorship search
Behind Emily’s achievements is a strong support network. Her parents, Sean and Sarah, have supported her throughout her boxing journey, with Sean also playing an active role in her training at the club as a coach and sparring partner. Emily has also received strong support from Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, which has played an important role in her development and achievements since she first took up the sport.
Les Gibson, owner of Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, who will travel to Montenegro to support Emily at the championships, said: "Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of Emily."
"We’ve watched her develop from a 10-year-old just starting out in boxing into a European champion representing her country. She is a fantastic young boxer and a great example to others."
"I’m delighted to be travelling to Montenegro to support her and, along with everyone at Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, I’ll be wishing her the very best of luck. She has an incredibly exciting future ahead of her."
With Emily already achieving national and international success at just 15 and progressing through the England Boxing pathway, she is now looking for professional sponsorship.
