Wombwell’s Fight Team Boxing (FTB) sent a team of ten to the International Combat Organisation’s (ICO) world championships in Swansea and were delighted to return with seventeen medals, including four gold and ten silver. Over 800 athletes from eighteen countries participated, with Team England winning the most medals, followed by the USA and Wales.

Adam Paszek coaches at FTB with his father, Paul, as head coach. “For most this was their first experience with Team England at such a high-level tournament,” said Adam, 19. “To qualify, a boxer needed to have won a medal at a national competition arranged by ICO or attended six squad training sessions. All our boxers were keen to perform at their best and showed commitment to the team and courage in their bouts as they showcased skills learnt.”

Cody Chipchase, 15, won all six bouts and earned gold in two categories. “I’ve been with FTB for three years and love being in the national squad and supporting the other fighters. I’d started at FTB because a mate went. He quit. I stayed. I’d boxed at local shows such as Jackhammer, but now I’ve boxed at a major tournament. All of us are grateful for the quality opportunities you get at FTB.”

Connor Wilson joined FTB early in 2025 and was “proud to have been selected for this, my first competitive event. I didn’t get a medal, but I’m determined to qualify for next year and win. I started at FTB because I had boxing friends, and it’s the best thing I’ve done because I’m improving in a sport I love and making lots of new friends.” Dad Ryan agrees. “Boxing has improved Connor’s confidence and fitness quite dramatically. His outstanding commitment secured an invitation to join Team England, which involved attending squad training sessions across the country for six months. Despite not getting a medal, his parents and coaches are proud of his determination, effort and enthusiasm. Connor came home energised with some great experiences and is looking forward to his future fights.”

Boxers can feel nervous before their bouts, according to Maxwell Charles, 14. “I enjoy fighting, and in two years of training, I’ve got good at it. Nerves go when you start warming up as training kicks in and you want to prove yourself. I’d been to other clubs, but FTB’s technical coaching is better, and they provide so many opportunities.” Teammate Daniel Shearn, 14, agrees. “I won silvers in Swansea as a boxer and kickboxer. I lost in the final, although I did well because it required an extra round to settle it. We all support each other; there are no egos here.” Lewis Fitzgerald, 14, was “happy to win a bronze given the high standard of the competition, as I can then aim to improve. The event was much more fast-paced than local shows, and we kept busy supporting each other during bouts.”

Participation was funded by the boxers’ families. “We did some fundraising,” explained Maxwell. “There were raffles and tombolas, and some did a sponsored walk up Mam Tor in the Peak District. All 517 metres. A few people went to Skipton and did the Tough Mudder, which was demanding. It was all worth it given how we had such a great time at the Swansea tournament.”

Sixteen-year-old Barnsley College student Gabriel Dys has already won three title belts during his three years at FTB. His ambition is to be a professional boxer. “The best ambition a boy can have. I love everything about boxing. What a fantastic time we had in Wales. I’m proud to have added two silvers in kickboxing and a gold in boxing to my collection. Our success is due to the intense preparation received at FTB from highly qualified coaches coupled with the amazing support and encouragement from teammates cheering every step of the way. Hopefully for me and others, this tournament was a stepping stone on the way to greater things.”

A dozen parents accompanied their children to Wales. Maxwell’s mother, Stella Lynch, explained that “supporting my 14-year-old son as he competed at the Swansea tournament was truly special. Taking part taught him resilience and responsibility, brought his team closer together, and showed him just how rewarding hard work can be. They all had so much fun. It’s given Maxwell real belief in himself and a clear path for his future in boxing.”

FTB boxers are looking forward to the 2026 championships in France and plan to attend a qualifying tournament in Ireland early next year. If wanting to join approaching a hundred amateurs training weekly at FTB or potentially sponsor an individual boxer contact Paul Paszek via WhatsApp on 07908 024270 or Instagram @fight.team.boxing .