ENGLAND WOMEN SHINE IN WORLD AMATEUR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS
England was represented for the first time at the Women’s World Championships which took place in Ningbo City, China finishing on Saturday 29th November. The England team of four boxers were confident of making their country proud, but in reality they EXCEEDED all expectation coming 15th out of the 42 nations that entered.
Nicola Adams a student at Bradford College, stole the show winning a silver medal in the 54kg weight category. “I’m ecstatic about it and I really can hardly believe it’s happening,” said Adams.
Amanda Coulson from Hartlepool was eliminated from the tournament in the early stages by the former - and now again - World champion from Canada,Mary Spencer . Natasha Jonas from Liverpool and Lucy Abel from the Royal Navy reached the quarter final stage.
This marks a momentous time in Womens Boxing in England.
The Amateur Boxing Association of England is extremely proud of the team and a hopeful of a bright future for this growth area of the sport. “The England Women’s Boxing Team are an inspiration to others who follow , promoting and helping to develop women’s boxing throughout England. I was very proud to be part of such an amazing team.” said National Women’s Coach Amanda Groarke.
Amateur boxing is currently the only Olympic sport that does not include events for women. The Amateur International Boxing Association has submitted their proposals to the International Olympic Committee to change this position and the Amateur Boxing Association of England support such an attempt.
Rebecca Black & Mike O’Neill
