1/ How did it feel seeing your name and pictures in the major newspapers? Have you had any interesting offers since this extra publicity has come your way?
Seeing myself in the major papers was so strange! I didnt actually know that I was in them until I had a load of texts telling me to run out and grab them. Was an awesome feeling though. I did also get some interesting offers come my way, which for now are secret!…but not to do with other fights yet.
2/ How and why did you first get into martial arts training?
I can’t actually explain why I got involved in Thaiboxing, I was just drawn to it. I started when I was 13, when a few of my school friends said they were going along to try it out. From that point on I was hooked. Slowly they began to give up and become less interested, where I began more classes and became driven to push myself harder. When I was 15 I got asked to fight train, and had my first fight at the age of 16.
3/ What is it like having such a supportive camp (including the one and only world champion Julie Kitchen) on your side? Do you feel this has been a big contributor towards your success?
Touchgloves is like a second family to me. Everyone down there is willing to help each other, not just with training, but personal problems as well and I definatlely think having that support helps everyone to excell. Having a fighter like Julie to train with and a coach like Nathan has got me where I am today. Without them I dont think i would of achieved what I have. Julie is my inspiration.
4/At only 20 years old you have already achieved an enormous amount, far more than many fighters do in their entire life, what else would you like to achieve both inside and outside of the ring?
Well, I’d love to achieve what Julie has done obviously as she is the best female fighter in the world, but outside of the ring i’d love to do professional modelling. Bit of a clash I know!
5/What made you go into the beauty business? Do you enjoy having a job that is so far removed from your fight career?
I got involved with Beauty therapy when I did my school work experience at a salon called Bliss, which is where I work now. I loved the idea of making people feel good about themselves. Its a rewarding job when you can make people feel confident and better about themselves, physically and mentally. And its lovely to have two jobs that are so different, I get the best of both worlds as I love thaiboxing but im still girly.
6/Do you feel that you miss out on any opportunities being a female fighter that a male fighter would get?
I think the most unfair thing in this sport is the lack of money for females. In my opinion, females train just as hard, are just as disiplined, take all the same risks as male fighters and so should therefore get the same wage.
7/ What would be your advice to girls out there thinking of starting Thai, or other traditionally male dominated sports?
I’d tell them to go for it! Its ace fitness and really good fun. Gives you a good focus and somewhere to vent emotion. Also i think its important for women to be able to defend themselves these days.
