Aycliffe Business Park boxer selected to represent England at European Championships in Montenegro
15-year-old European champion Emily Denham is preparing to represent England in Montenegro as she continues to build her international boxing career and looks for a regional business to support the next stage of her journey.
A talented 15-year-old boxer who trains at Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club on Aycliffe Business Park is preparing to represent her country on the European stage after being selected for England’s 15-strong squad for the U17 European Championships in Montenegro.
Emily Denham, from Newton Aycliffe, has been selected to compete in the women’s U70kg category at the championships in Budva from 1–12 October 2026.
The selection marks another major milestone for the Newton Aycliffe teenager and will see Emily return to Montenegro, where she was crowned U15 European Champion in 2025.
Emily’s 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.
As a member of the England Boxing Performance Pathway, Emily regularly travels to Sheffield for England training, while maintaining a demanding daily training and running schedule.
Her long-term ambition is to represent Great Britain at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
As Emily’s boxing career continues to develop, she and her family are looking to connect with a regional business interested in supporting the next stage of her journey through sponsorship.
Sponsorship would help towards the ongoing costs of training, travel and competing at the national and international level as Emily continues to progress through the England Boxing Performance Pathway.
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.”
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 aged 10.
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 the club, I’ll be wishing her the very best of luck. She has an incredibly exciting future ahead of her.”
Regional Business Sponsorship Opportunity
With Emily already achieving national and international success at just 15 and progressing through the England Boxing Performance Pathway, she and her family are keen to connect with a regional business interested in supporting the next stage of her boxing career.
For a local or regional business, sponsorship provides an opportunity to support a talented young North East athlete early in her career and be part of her journey as she progresses through the sport.
Businesses interested in supporting Emily’s journey and discussing sponsorship opportunities can contact Sean Denham at sean296@googlemail.com.
You can also follow Emily’s journey on Instagram: @emilydenham42.
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