Beyond The Ropes: Tori-Ellis Willetts

Beyond The Ropes: Tori-Ellis Willetts

Everything was going according to plan for Tori-Ellis Willetts. Unbeaten in five fights. The big fight had finally arrived. Tysie Gallagher, a former world title challenger, was defending her Commonwealth super-bantamweight title against the unbeaten Willetts. A 50/50 fight on paper. Willetts was beyond confident. But the fight last September ended in defeat for Willetts. A 2nd round knockdown added to her woes. A humbling points defeat that wasn’t part of the plan.

“I just think I didn’t get it right on the night,” Willetts told me. “I’d say the occasion on the night got to me more than I thought, and that showed in the ring. I was a totally different person. And I didn’t box or showcase my skills how I know I can.”

Willetts doesn’t agree with the suggestion that the Gallagher fight was too much too soon. “I don’t think it was too early because I’ve fought at a high level before. I know professional boxing is different, but I just think there were a few things that affected me, and it just wasn’t my night.”

“Yeah, of course. If the rematch was offered I’d take it,” Willetts replied when I asked if she would be interested in a second fight with Gallagher. “I’ve always said that I want to take opportunities, and if I was offered the rematch, I would definitely take it.”

The fighter in the losing corner can easily be forgotten. But even if their team stays loyal, the mind can still be a lonely place. The physical pain can be long gone, but the mental scars can linger. But the initial struggles Willetts had dealing with her first professional reversal were eventually cast aside.

“It was really hard mentally to get myself back,” Willetts told me. “I was back in the gym the following week training, working on things all over Christmas, and I have trained every week since that fight. Training is a part of my life and has been since I was eleven years old. So that was never an issue. It was more building back mentally by working with a sports mindset coach, and he’s changed me for the better, and I’m grateful for his help.

“Obviously, you doubt yourself, and if you can achieve the goals, that you have set out. But I know I won’t quit until I have achieved those, so it’s just motivated me to become a better fighter.”

On Valentine’s Day, Willetts returned to action in Birmingham, winning every one of the six rounds against the always-tough Beccy Ferguson.

“It’s obviously a big relief after coming from a loss. And more importantly, with the way I boxed, too. She was a weight above me, very experienced, and she came to win. So I knew I had to be on my game. I’m happy I stuck to the game plan. I used my skills and showed my class in there. So overall, I’m really happy with my performance. I have done everything we have been working on and I cruised through every round without getting involved in anything.”

Willetts wants to remain active in 2025 and is more than willing to take any opportunity that comes her way. “Hopefully, I will get out again at the end of April or early May, but if any opportunities come before that, then I’ll take it.”

Fighters are written off far too easily. A fickle sport that can’t seem to comprehend one solitary defeat doesn’t have to be the end. Tori-Ellis Willetts will hope it’s simply a new beginning for her.