Epsom boxer Amelia, 12, wins National Schools title

A 12-year-old boxer from Epsom has brought home the town’s first National Schools boxing title in 15 years after a series of dominant performances at the England Boxing National Schools Championships.

Amelia O’Hagan, of Epsom Boxing Academy, claimed gold in the Class A 44kg category after progressing through Surrey, Southern Counties and the national finals.

Having qualified through the county and regional stages, Amelia faced London champion Davene Asabere of Newham’s Fight for Peace club in the quarter-finals.

Coach Joe Harding described Amelia’s performance as explosive from the outset. Starting at high tempo, she used fast attacks to head and body to control the bout, before forcing a stoppage early in the second round after a sustained assault left her opponent unable to continue.

The championships then took Amelia north to Newcastle for the semi-finals and finals weekend.

In the semi-final she met Midland Counties champion Hollie Browne of Black Country Boxing Club. Determined to improve on last year’s runner-up finish, Amelia produced what her coaches described as a controlled and disciplined display.

Using speed, footwork and sharp combinations, she repeatedly caught the taller opponent with attacks to head and body before moving safely out of range. After three rounds of sustained pressure and tactical boxing, Amelia secured a unanimous 5-0 points victory to reach the final.

There she faced local favourite Imogen Paylor of Felling ABC, champion of Tyne, Tees and Wear and a boxer with significantly more competitive experience.

According to Epsom Boxing Academy, Amelia again began strongly, attacking with body-to-head combinations and forcing her taller opponent backwards. The second round saw more sustained exchanges, with Amelia’s footwork and ring movement proving key.

Knowing the final round would bring an all-out response from her opponent, Amelia maintained the pace, countering effectively and finishing strongly. The judges awarded her a second unanimous 5-0 victory, crowning her National Schools Champion for 2026.

The success marks Epsom’s first National Schools “Golden Gloves” champion since Charlie Eastwood, who won the title 15 years ago and later added further national honours.

The victory also secures Amelia a place on the England Boxing National Development Pathway.

Joe Harding, head coach at Epsom Boxing Academy, said: “This girl is an amazing talent and at 12 years old this is only the start. She is hard-working and determined and I’m certain she will go on to represent her country.

“We have come close several times since starting our new Epsom club four years ago, with several silver and bronze medals, so bringing home the Golden Gloves with Amelia was a little emotional, to say the least.”