31/05/2026
NBFC Give Their All on Ed Bilbey Box Cup Finals Day! 🥊
After entering 10 boxers into the Ed Bilbey Box Cup weekend and reaching 6 finals, this was already a fantastic achievement for NBFC.
🥇 Charlie – 52.5kg Final
First up was Charlie, fresh from winning the East Midlands belt last week in only his second amateur bout. Stepping into his first Box Cup, Charlie delivered another punch-perfect performance, dominating from start to finish to claim gold. What an incredible first season he’s had, setting himself up perfectly for the 2026/27 season.
🥇 Abdul
Next up was Abdul, last year’s Box Cup champion, looking to defend his title. This year he faced a much tougher opponent in a closely contested bout. Both boxers had their moments, but Abdul looked the stronger and more dominant boxer overall, earning himself a second consecutive Box Cup gold medal.
🥇 Azhar
Azhar, another returning champion from last year, was competing in a new weight category after a strong performance on Saturday. He looked powerful throughout, catching his opponent on the way in and constantly forcing him backwards. Azhar claimed another gold medal and hopefully this marks a turning point after a frustrating season.
🥈 Laiton – 85kg Open Final
Laiton, a first-year senior, faced a much older and more experienced opponent in the 85kg Open Final. He boxed brilliantly in the first round, forcing his opponent backwards and controlling the action. His opponent’s experience began to show in rounds two and three, and Laiton narrowly lost a split decision to take silver. Regardless, Laiton has had an outstanding season and continues to make huge improvements as an elite boxer.
🥈 Jibrail
Jibrail reached the final after two impressive performances in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. First of all we found out this morning Jibrail was boxing a former Ukraine international with over 180 bouts who now boxers for Germany. Than we found out that his opponent currently a professional boxer who last boxed pro 4 weeks ago. We seeked advice and was told he can do both 🤷♂️
Jibrail started brilliantly, turning his aggressive opponent and catching him on the way in and out. We felt he had done enough to win the opening round.
In second opponent was launching forward more. Half way through he caught Jibrail with his head knocking Jibrail down. unfortunately Jibrail was unable to continue so obviously we felt it would go to score cards due to an accidental clash of heads. To how shock the ref declared it a punch which with him being so close we couldn’t believe. Than he asked the judges and two out of the five said it was a punch (others said they didn’t see it) when we shown the ref and the supervisor the video evidence apparently this ain’t good enough. Jibrail opponent and his corner said it was an accidental head butt, we seen it, they seen it, the crowd seen it but the person in the middle of ring and sat ringside didn’t!
This as meant Jibrail got an Easter egg on his head caused by a phantom punch.
Anyway Jibrail can be really proud of his performances this weekend and over last few months.
🥈 Emmanuel – 80kg Elite Final
Last up was Emmanuel, who faced the current national champion in the 80kg Elite Final. We knew it would be a tough challenge, but after two impressive performances earlier in the tournament, Emmanuel was ready for it. The bout turned into a hard-fought battle, with both boxers having success. Emmanuel came out on the wrong side of the points decision, but he has shown great improvement since joining NBFC and has become a fantastic addition to our squad.
👏 A Weekend to Remember
To finish with 3 Golds, 3 Silvers, and Runners-Up as Team of the Tournament is a massive achievement for a club that has only been operating for two years. Competing against some of the best clubs in the country, every boxer, coach, and supporter should be extremely proud of what has been achieved.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising another fantastic Ed Bilbey Box Cup. The tournament was superbly run, and the support from our members throughout the weekend was incredible.
Without a doubt, we were the loudest club there! 🔊🥊
Next stop... Haringey! 👊🔥
