Charlie Sutton: “Next year, I’m hoping to be put on a bigger stage and to fight for more titles.”

Charlie Sutton: “Next year, I’m hoping to be put on a bigger stage and to fight for more titles.”

Charlie Sutton gets another big domestic fight this weekend when she takes on Jordan Barker-Porter in Hull for the Commonwealth International super-lightweight title.

Sutton was last out in April when she lost a unanimous points decision to the unbeaten prospect Hannah Robinson. It’s a defeat that still hurts the 23-year-old. “This is a tough one for me to talk about, especially as I thought I won and done enough,” Sutton told FightPost. “So from that fight, I think I’ve taken that sometimes things don’t go your way and it’s okay. Especially when you know deep down that you have done amazing. Put on a good show and fought with your heart. I’ve also taken away that I am good enough, and I should be on the big stages.”

“I have learnt that the results aren’t always going to be on your side,” a reflective Sutton added. “I have learnt that people show their true colours in boxing, in how they treat the fighters beforehand. I’ve learned that I am a strong and brave fighter, physically and mentally. And I’ve learned that I can do long round fights and show I have heart, determination and can take big steps in the boxing game.”

Sutton (5-2) gets another opportunity this weekend against Barker-Porter (11-4-1). “This fight will put me back on the ladder to achieving my dreams and pushing toward the bigger fights and being on the bigger stages and going for more title fights.

“To be honest, I have no idea who she is,” Sutton says of her next opponent. “I haven’t looked at her once or studied her. I leave that for my coach and manager to do, while I just focus on myself and the training.”

At 23, Sutton is still very much in the embryonic stages of her boxing career. “I’m only at the beginning, so there’s plenty more to learn, to work for and achieve in the sport.”

But a win this weekend against her more experienced opponent will push Sutton a little closer to the major fights that she craves. “Next year, I’m hoping to be put on a bigger stage and to fight for more titles. I would also like to fight out of the country, as I think that would be an incredible experience.”

The long-term goals for Charlie Sutton go far deeper than just winning titles. “My ultimate ambition is to hopefully get as many titles as I can, and inspire young people to follow their dreams and become the best versions of themselves. And how you may come from a small town, and you could put that town on the map and show people that you start with nothing. But if you work hard enough, you’ll end up with everything you have ever wanted.”

Photo Credit: Andy Futers