Connor McNamara becomes National Champion

Connor “Macca” McNamara delivered an outstanding performance at the England Boxing National Development Championships 2025, emerging as a national development champion for Reload Boxing Club - a remarkable achievement for both him and the club. The National Development Championships, organised by England Boxing, are one of the key national events for up-and-coming amateur talent across the country, with regional qualifiers leading into quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals held at Arena Sports in Kettering.

McNamara competed in the Male Junior A under-63 kg category and delivered a series of convincing performances throughout the tournament. At the semi-final stage, he secured a unanimous 5- 0 victory against Henry Dolan of White Rose (Yorkshire), booking his place on Finals Day.

On Finals Day, McNamara continued his dominant run by going up against Maxwell Koncher of Cheltenham Kings. In a strong display under pressure, Connor claimed the title with a 4-0 win, earning the national development crown for his weight class.

Throughout the championships, McNamara impressed not just with results but with consistency, celebrating multiple unanimous victories on his way through the tournament, with teammates and supporters cheering his grit and attacking style.

His journey to this milestone was itself notable - earlier in the competition he had already become Midlands regional champion, winning the regional final by unanimous decision over Harry Stanley and advancing from his quarter-final triumph against Samuel Pownall. Head coach Mitch Roberts, speaking after McNamara’s regional success, praised his relentless work rate, fitness and commitment to boxing, noting that he pushes forward relentlessly and never stops throwing punches - traits that clearly served him well at the National Development Championships.

The Midlands success continued with Unanimous victories against representatives from the North West and Tyne, Tees and Wear regions. In all, young Macca fought six opponents to claim his National title.

Overall, Connor McNamara’s national title is a significant highlight for Reload Boxing Club, the club’s first major national honours and showcases the rising talent among our amateur boxers.