Leighton Forbes Crowned 2026 England Boxing National Development Champion
Wellingborough Amateur Boxing Club is celebrating a historic achievement after 15-year-old Leighton Forbes was crowned the 2026 England Boxing Junior U75kg National Development Champion.
Competing at Kettering Sports & Leisure Village over the weekend of 17–18 October, Leighton delivered two outstanding performances to secure the national title and write his name into the club’s history books.
The achievement makes Leighton only the second boxer in Wellingborough ABC’s more than 40-year history to win a national championship, following Loleta Spencer’s success in 2019.
Two Impressive Performances
Leighton’s championship campaign began on Saturday against Jake Giblin of One Bomb ABC in the semi-finals.
From the opening bell, Leighton controlled the contest, forcing his opponent to take two standing eight counts in the first round before adding a third in the second round.
The victory secured his place in Sunday’s national final against Louie Douglas-Umargue of Larches & Savick ABC.
With a national title on the line, Leighton once again demonstrated his ability, composure and determination, producing another excellent performance to claim a unanimous decision victory and become national champion.
A Remarkable Journey
Leighton first stepped into competitive boxing in 2023 and entered the National Development Championships with a record of seven wins and three defeats.
Those defeats came against strong opposition, including a boxer who subsequently became a European champion and another who claimed the 2026 England Boxing Junior Open Class National Championship.
Having missed the Junior Open Class Championships earlier in the year through illness, Leighton was determined to make the most of his opportunity in the Development Championships.
His latest success adds to an impressive 2026 season, which has already seen him win the Manchester Box Cup and the Ed Bilbey Box Cup, with the latter including a stoppage victory.
A Proud Moment for Wellingborough ABC
For a grassroots boxing club, producing a national champion is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication of the boxer, coaches and everyone involved behind the scenes.
Club coach and committee member Charlie Gerrard praised Leighton’s work ethic and commitment, highlighting the hours he has dedicated to developing his skills.
The championship weekend also saw fantastic support from fellow coaches, family members and supporters, who travelled to Kettering to cheer Leighton on.
His victory represents more than an individual achievement. It is another milestone for Wellingborough ABC and demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and the support of a grassroots boxing community.
The Journey Continues
Despite becoming a national champion, Leighton is already looking towards his next challenge.
He is scheduled to return to competition at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury for the finals of the 2026 WBC Counties Box Cup.
Everyone at Wellingborough Amateur Boxing Club is incredibly proud of Leighton’s achievements, and we look forward to supporting him as his boxing career continues.
Congratulations, Leighton. National Champion.
Leighton’s success was also featured in the Northants Telegraph on 19 October 2026.