Kirsty Hill: “I have a lot of respect for Jade Pearce and what she is capable of. But I think experience will be the biggest difference this time.”

Kirsty Hill: “I have a lot of respect for Jade Pearce and what she is capable of. But I think experience will be the biggest difference this time.”

Next month, Kirsty Hill will get her chance of revenge over the unbeaten Jade Pearce. They will fight again, this time for the vacant Commonwealth super-featherweight title.

Hill and Pearce fought in November in Newark, with Hill losing on points after six rounds. Pearce won courtesy of a 59-55 scorecard. “Credit to both of us for the last fight,” Hill told FightPost. “It turned into a brilliant fight, and the fact that it won Fight of the Year for the Midlands region says everything about the action and competitiveness of it.”

The 34-year-old wasn’t happy with her performance in November. It was her first fight in over a year, and Hill believes that was a factor. “In all honesty, I was disappointed with my performance in the last fight. I’d had around 18 months of inactivity beforehand through opponent pull-outs and shows being cancelled. So, going straight into that kind of high-tempo fight was always going to be difficult, and I think I let that get the better of me. After a slow start, I felt I grew into the fight and made it very tough for her in the later rounds.

Jade Pearce is highly rated, but Hill still believes the second fight will be a lot different from the first time around. “I have a lot of respect for Jade Pearce and what she is capable of,” Hill says. “But I think experience will be the biggest difference this time. Last time, I just didn’t settle quickly enough. This time, I feel sharper mentally and physically, and I know exactly what to expect from Jade’s style. She’s aggressive and comes forward, and that naturally makes for exciting fights, but I believe that I can handle that pressure and have success. Over 10 rounds, I think my boxing ability, fitness and experience will really come into play. I’m prepared for whatever type of fight it becomes. I’m no stranger to the away corner, and my titles have been won and defended in the away corner. One thing is certain: this will be a cracking fight to watch for the boxing fans.”

Hill will enter her rematch with a 7-3 resume, and the former Commonwealth champion is happy with her career to date. “I’m the first person to criticise myself, but if I think about it, I am quite proud of my pro career so far because it hasn’t been straightforward and I’ve managed to achieve things along the way regardless. I’ve had many setbacks out of my control, but I’ve stayed committed, which is a journey in itself.”

“I’ve never wanted an easy route, and I believe taking tough fights is what brings the best out of me,” Hill added. “I would just hope that I finally get the big stage opportunity I’ve been promised before, before my career is out. I feel I’m owed that experience and I can tick that off my list.”

Photo Credit: LJF Photography