Natasha Jonas: “I don’t fear losing at all. I fear more, not taking the opportunity.”

Natasha Jonas: “I don’t fear losing at all. I fear more, not taking the opportunity.” Everything was going according to plan. Natasha Jonas had turned professional, hoping for full closure to her boxing life and peace of mind. Injury had cut short her amateur career. A sporting life seemingly had ended without reaching its natural … Continue reading Natasha Jonas: “I don’t fear losing at all. I fear more, not taking the opportunity.” →

Jasmina Zapotoczna: “I thought it would be tougher. I thought the fight would be more difficult.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna: "I thought it would be tougher. I thought the fight would be more difficult." The emotions took over the second Jasmina Zapotoczna was declared the winner on Saturday night. Tears of joy from the present, but masked by the pain of what came before.The struggles of the past were remembered. Thoughts of leaving … Continue reading Jasmina Zapotoczna: “I thought it would be tougher. I thought the fight would be more difficult.” →

Claressa Shields: “The end goal is to be the best boxer and the best combat athlete that I can be.”

Claressa Shields: “The end goal is to be the best boxer and the best combat athlete that I can be." When Claressa Shields turned professional in 2016, the landscape of her sport was very different. The revolution on her side of the sport hadn't yet truly begun. But the embryonic shoots were beginning to flower. … Continue reading Claressa Shields: “The end goal is to be the best boxer and the best combat athlete that I can be.” →

Jasmina Zapotoczna: “Maisey is obviously a tough fighter, but I believe in myself. I am very confident in my skills, and I can win this fight.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna: "Maisey is obviously a tough fighter, but I believe in myself. I am very confident in my skills, and I can win this fight." I last caught up with the flyweight contender Jasmina Zapotoczna in February. It was just a few weeks removed from her first fight under the Matchroom bright lights. A … Continue reading Jasmina Zapotoczna: “Maisey is obviously a tough fighter, but I believe in myself. I am very confident in my skills, and I can win this fight.” →

Frazer Clarke: “After what Fabio and I did last time, we deserve to be the stars of our own show.”

Frazer Clarke: "After what Fabio and I did last time, we deserve to be the stars of our own show." It was one of those fights. A fight and a night that will live long in the memory. One of the greatest ever fights seen inside a British ring. Even labelling it a Fight of … Continue reading Frazer Clarke: “After what Fabio and I did last time, we deserve to be the stars of our own show.” →

Sammy Worthington: “There is literally no doubt in my mind that I will become a world champion.”

Sammy Worthington: "There is literally no doubt in my mind that I will become a world champion."A professional career that has so far impressed. Unbeaten in eight fights. The vast majority of those wins have come inside the distance. A world-ranked super-lightweight. But that career and her impressive resume have been in relative obscurity. But … Continue reading Sammy Worthington: “There is literally no doubt in my mind that I will become a world champion.” →

Claressa Shields: “I don’t hate Savannah, I have a lot of respect for her. She was a great dance partner and I will dance with her again.”

Claressa Shields: "I don't hate Savannah, I have a lot of respect for her. She was a great dance partner and I will dance with her again." I have been ringside when Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall have traded blows with breathtaking ferocity. I have seen first-hand the two bitter rivals exchange venomous words unrelentingly … Continue reading Claressa Shields: “I don’t hate Savannah, I have a lot of respect for her. She was a great dance partner and I will dance with her again.” →

Caitlin Parker: “I want to win an Olympic gold medal more than anything. It’s what I think about all the time. It’s all I have ever dreamed of.”

Caitlin Parker: "I want to win an Olympic gold medal more than anything. It's what I think about all the time. It's all I have ever dreamed of." I last interviewed the Australian Olympic hopeful Caitlin Parker nearly three years ago. Parker was then temporarily residing in Sheffield. The Australian team was in town. Moving … Continue reading Caitlin Parker: “I want to win an Olympic gold medal more than anything. It’s what I think about all the time. It’s all I have ever dreamed of.” →

Kate McLaren: “I really want to be a world champion, and that takes sacrifice, hard work, and dedication, and that is what I am willing to do. I am all in.”

Kate McLaren: "I really want to be a world champion, and that takes sacrifice, hard work, and dedication, and that is what I am willing to do. I am all in." A lot has changed since I last spoke to Kate McLaren late last year. Last December, McLaren was still in the unbeaten ranks. Six … Continue reading Kate McLaren: “I really want to be a world champion, and that takes sacrifice, hard work, and dedication, and that is what I am willing to do. I am all in.” →

Imogen McDonnell: “I want to be a better version of myself, and I want to reach my full potential.”

Imogen McDonnell: "I want to be a better version of me, and I want to reach my full potential."Another day was drawing to a close. Another day on a hospital ward was over. Another training session had just been completed as I connected over Zoom with the Australian amateur boxer Imogen McDonnell. "I live in … Continue reading Imogen McDonnell: “I want to be a better version of myself, and I want to reach my full potential.” →