Jade Pearce: “As you can tell by my debut opponent, I’m not one to shy away from the tough fights.”

Jade Pearce: “As you can tell by my debut opponent, I’m not one to shy away from the tough fights.”

The professional debut of the former amateur star Jade Pearce should have happened several months ago. Two false starts left Pearce frustrated and more. But finally, this coming weekend, Pearce will get her professional career up and running. Pearce gets a local gig in Middlesbrough when she faces the tough Icelandic import Valgerdur Gudsteinsdottir.

“I was gutted,” Pearce says of how she felt when the planned debut in April fell by the wayside at incredibly late notice. “I was so ready to fight. I had the best lead-up to the fight. I felt unreal. But I know everything happens for a reason, so I try to keep that in mind.”

Pearce seems ready for that maiden ring walk this weekend. “I’ve trained like a pro since the day I started boxing. I’m very excited, it’s very long-awaited, and I’m just itching to go now.”

The former national champion is learning her new trade both inside and outside of the ring. Although one aspect of her new role is taking some getting used to. “The only difference that I find tricky is the social media and the advertising side for fights, as it’s not something I’m good with or enjoy doing,” Pearce relayed to FightPost. “I never even told people when I was fighting in the amateurs.”

Pearce has been in and around boxing practically her whole life. Her father, John, was the 1998 Commonwealth Games champion. “I used to go down to the gym with my dad when he was still training when I was about two or three,” Pearce told me a few years ago. I used to sit there and watch my dad train all day.”

Reports of her progress in the gym are beyond encouraging, and hopes are high that Jade Pearce has a bright future ahead of her. Managed by Carl Greaves, who is no stranger to guiding female talent to major titles, Emma Dolan, a recent example, Pearce is in good hands as her new journey is about to start.

The fighter is seemingly in a rush to get the big fights. “Nothing will be too quick,” Pearce says. “As you can tell by my debut opponent, I’m not one to shy away from the tough fights. I believe you’ve got to box anyone to show your abilities to get the opportunities you need. I’m willing to do that from the get-go to get my title shots as soon as possible.”