15-05-2025
Bromley teenager becomes national boxing champion in historic victory
A Bromley teenager has become the first boxer from the borough to become a national champion in 27 years.
Castro Collins, from Hayes' 2BX Boxing Club, home of Bromley ABC, has sealed his place in the record books by winning the England Boxing Schools (Golden Gloves) national title.
This marks a significant achievement for the London Borough of Bromley, which has not claimed a national boxing title since 1998.
England Boxing, the nation's sole authority for amateur boxing, has now placed Castro on the England Boxing Squad development pathway.
The future looks promising for the young boxer, whose talent could eventually see him representing Team GB.
Echoing Castro's triumph, his fellow 2BX club member, Henry Brown, delivered a sterling performance by eclipsing the Eastern Counties champion in the quarter-finals.
Rising star Henry Brown meets heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (Image: 2BX Boxing Club)
Though he was stopped in the semi-finals by the national champion, Henry takes home a bronze medal and has ended his season as the nation's third-ranked boxer in his category.
These victories form part of an exceptional season for 2BX Boxing Clubs, with five London champions, one quarter-national finalist, three semi-national finalists, and Castro's national championship title.
The club is spearheaded by a police committee comprising past members and champions hailing from Orpington ABC.
Among these are ex-policeman Bob Mullholland and serving officer PC Oliver Watson.
Officer Watson, who himself has boxed for the club, journeyed to Newcastle to support the boxers and lauded their progress and dedication.
The influence of 2BX Boxing Clubs extends far beyond the boxing ring.
The clubs are engaged in numerous collaborations with local youth engagement officers, young offenders, and schools, providing boxing as a constructive alternative to negative influences and offering valuable opportunities for local youth.
The last time a national title was claimed by a club in the London Borough of Bromley was in 1998, while Orpington's last individual schools' national title was clinched by Paul Martin in 1973.
The recent victory has seen Castro Collins earn a well-deserved spot in the England Boxing Roll of Honour which lists all champions from as far back as 1880.
Micah Hylton, a head coach at Bromley, said: "As the coach of Bromley ABC, I am incredibly proud to announce that Castro Collins has made history by becoming the England Boxing Schools national champion.
"His extraordinary dedication, resilience, and hard work have led him to this remarkable achievement, making him the first boxer from the London Borough of Bromley to win a national title in 27 years.
"We look forward to seeing Castro thrive on the England Boxing Squad development pathway and hope his success inspires young athletes across the borough to pursue their dreams in boxing and beyond."
The club is currently seeking sponsorship to support its expanding community initiatives.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the 2BX Boxing Clubs on 07955 755224.
