Christina Desmond: “I like to do things that others think women shouldn’t do.”

Christina Desmond: “I like to do things that others think women shouldn’t do.”

Nineteen Irish titles. Medals at European and World level. There is even more to the resume of Christina Desmond than that. The 28-year-old has already achieved plenty. But she wants even more.

Born in Cork City, in a Saint Finbarrs hospital. Early years that perhaps didn’t indicate a fighting future. “I grew up in the countryside in a small village called Cill na Martra, near Macroom in County Cork,” Desmond says of those formative years. “I had a very normal and relaxed upbringing. My parents Helen and Christoir were hard-working and did all they could for us. We were farmers and spent most of our time on the farm or spending time either neighbours. We were very lucky and sheltered from most part of our lives. We had a happy life. I am one of four. I have a twin brother, Micheal, an older sister, and a younger sister Louise and Rachel. I tried everything – Irish dancing, playing instruments, and swimming.

“I always had an interest in sports. I played Gaelic football with my local club Naomh Aban and then played underage with Cork County. I Irish danced as I said, and I swam a bit.”

Desmond found boxing at an early age. “I only started boxing to copy my brother at 11. Anything he did, I would try to do better,” Desmond says of how she found boxing. “Women’s boxing was not common then, so I was mainly just training. In 2009, I entered my first Irish championship, I was 13, and I won. Ever since then, I have 19 Irish titles at underage, youth, intermediate, and senior levels. I started with my local club, Macroom Boxing Club, and then I represented Ireland for the first time in 2013 at the youth and junior European championships. My brother also has Irish titles, but he gave it up to continue his football career.”

The love for her craft is obvious. “I love getting in the ring after I have trained so hard to be there and putting on a performance. I enjoy being the only one responsible for my performance, and I don’t have to rely on anyone else.

“It has given me so many opportunities in life. I have been lucky enough to travel the world and make so many friends. I love to influence younger women and children to go and follow their dreams no matter what they are, and anything can be achieved. I like to do things that others think women shouldn’t do.”

Desmond can still vividly remember her first fight. “I fought a girl from Donegal, Austeja Auciute, and she now fights internationally for Lithuania. She boxed in the same club as Jason Quigley, so I knew she was going to be good. I can’t remember what I won by, but I remember more the feeling of winning. My twin brother and I both won Irish titles that day.”

Christina Desmond is now one hundred fights into her boxing career. But one specific moment stands out. “Winning my silver medal two years ago in the European championships. I was the underdog and working full time as a police officer doing shift work. I lost to a world champion on a split decision. I fought very hard for that medal.”

Boxing is far more than winning medals. It carries a deeper meaning. “I would like to change people’s perception of women in boxing,” Desmond says of what she wants to use her platform for. “I would like to promote the importance of having a career or a job to fall back on. I also want to prove that women can do what they like when they put their minds to it.”

Desmond has a resume that goes deep. A desire to inspire others. And there are thoughts of turning professional in the near future. Christina Desmond is impressive in many ways.