ZOE Newton is brimming with confidence as she prepares to become the first female boxer from Ashby-de-la-Zouch to make her professional debut.
She will step through the ropes at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham this Saturday (December 20) on the undercard of BCB Promotions’ ‘Winter Is Coming’ event.
“I don’t get nervous,” said Newton. “I train so hard, and I’ve put so much effort into this, and I’m just excited to get in the ring on Saturday.”
The 29-year-old featherweight is hugely passionate about the sport, and her journey has seen her box across various disciplines, but she is now ready to join the highest level of the craft.
She added: “I started boxing in 2020 and signed up for one of those charity white-collar boxing events, but it was cancelled due to Covid.
“I knew straight away how much I wanted to fight, so I kept training and then started on the unlicensed circuit before deciding to box as an amateur.
“I boxed at the elites and represented the Midlands against the RAF, and it became a massive part of my life. I spend every minute thinking about it.”
“There was a massive difference from white collar to amateur; the opponents are more schooled, they are taking it so seriously, and it isn’t just a hobby. I knew I didn’t want to pick up those belts; I wanted to do things properly.”
Newton will be cornered on fight night by the experienced coach Matt Sturgess, and the two have struck a great working relationship since linking up.
She said: “I met Matt through his son, who was doing my strength and conditioning. He took me on the pads and brought me down to BCB, and he agreed to take me pro.
“He’s like a second dad. He puts in so much time and effort into me, and we have such a good relationship.
“Training at BCB has been awesome because I used to only get to spar the lads, but Errol does a great job getting in so much female sparring, and being in the gym is like being in a community.”
When she is not mixing it up with some of the best prospects in the country, Newton coaches amateurs at Motiv8 Boxing & Martial Arts Fitness.
She explained: “I work at an amateur club in Ashby coaching kids, and I love it.
“Coaching and teaching require patience, and it has helped bring me on as well, being around the sport every day. Ashby isn’t known as a fight town, and I haven’t had the typical journey into the sport that many do, but I’m proud to be the first female boxer from there.”
The show also features the Midlands Area Super Bantamweight title clash between Gabriele Strikaityte and Doina Costin, as well as the unbeaten trio of Jamie Edwards, Ben Andrews, and Ethan Rutter alongside the popular Dylan Cheema.
Final remaining tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £85 for VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
