Historic Week for Welsh Boxing in Colorado

It was a historic week for Welsh Boxing as four of its brightest young talents competed at the 2024 U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado, USA. The tournament, which took place at the Pueblo Convention Centre from October 25 to November 5, marked the first-ever global World Boxing Championships for boxers aged 17 and 18. With athletes from all over the world converging in Colorado, the Welsh contingent stood proud, with each boxer giving their all on the world stage.

The story of the week was that our very own Dan Pitt made history by becoming Welsh Boxing's second-ever world champion after an exceptional performance in the 85kg category. The talented boxer from Brecon took home the gold medal with a unanimous decision win in the final against an opponent from Kazakhstan, solidifying his place in Welsh boxing history with a remarkable display.

Milwyn Lloyd earned a bronze medal in the 65kg category after an impressive run to the semi-finals. He secured dominant wins over boxers from India and Italy. Though he was ultimately defeated by the eventual gold medalist in the semi-final, Lloyd's performance throughout the tournament proved his potential on the world stage.

Mikey O'Sullivan also took home a bronze medal in the 55kg category, following victories over opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Canada to reach the semi-finals. Like Lloyd, O'Sullivan fell to the eventual gold medalist, but his strong showing in Colorado highlighted his ability to compete on the world stage.

Alfie Lewis lost to Australia in the last 16 but was the youngest competitor in the tournament. Competing at such a high level will only serve to strengthen his skills as he continues to progress in his boxing career and the Welsh Boxing community is excited to see how he builds on this experience in the years to come.

Welsh Boxing’s Head of Performance, Adam Park stated, "The performances of Dan, Milwyn, Mikey, and Alfie at the 2024 U19 World Boxing Championships were outstanding. Dan made history by securing gold, this is a monumental achievement for Welsh Boxing. I am extremely proud of all the performance team that supported the boxers to deliver these performances especially Zack Davies & Connor Gething, they demonstrated what Welsh Boxing is capable of on a global stage. Our Performance Programme cannot succeed without our hardworking clubs, a special mention needs to go to Brecon Phoenix, Dan’s world championship gold medal is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to all the boxers, their coaches Zack Davies and Connor Gething and the Welsh Boxing community for a historic week in Colorado! Here’s to continued success and growth for Welsh boxing in the years ahead!