Ipswich boxer dreams of world championship glory

By Connor BennettBBC News, Suffolk

Jamie Niblock/ BBCEilish Tierney took up the sport in March 2021 following the Covid lockdowns

An Ipswich boxer has been preparing for her first professional fight and has hopes of becoming a world champion.

Eilish Tierney, 25, took up boxing in March 2021, after she lost five stone during the first Covid lockdown.

Ms Tierney has trained alongside the British heavyweight, Fabio Wardley, who she called a "big inspiration".

When she takes part in the fight later this month, it has been thought she will become Ipswich's first professional female boxer.

She has described her journey into the sport as "crazy".

Ipswich boxer's 'mad journey' to first professional fight

"I was 15 stone [95kg]," said Ms Tierney. "I started working out whilst everything was shut [during the Covid lockdown]. No Greggs or KFC was open and I had a lot of extra time so I joined the gym in March 2021.

"I lost five stone during lockdown, started boxing and had my first white-collar [fight] in July 2021."

Ms Tierney joined Grange Fitness and Performance in Ipswich, which is the home of Suffolk Punch Boxing Club and the British Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley.

'I wouldn't be who I am without boxing'

"It's a massive community," she said.

"I've had nothing but love and support. Having Fabio here helps a lot.

Eilish TierneyThe 25-year-old has sparred with WBA female bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes (left); Ms Tierney before she lost five stone during lockdown

"I would never tell him, but he's been a big inspiration and a big help to my career and love of boxing.

"I want to be the first world champion from Ipswich, even before Fabio does.

"He's opened the door for me. I'm the first professional female from Ipswich, and hopefully I've opened the door for some other people."

She added: "It's crazy what the confidence of being punched in the face, and punching someone else in the face can bring.

"It's given me everything: a career, something to wake up for. I wouldn't be who I am without boxing."

'It's completely changed my life'

The gym claimed Ms Tierney will be Ipswich's first professional female boxer.

"It's an honour to be the first, but I don't want to be the only one," she said. "I want to see girls coming through.

"Hopefully it inspires someone to pick up a pair of gloves, go down to their boxing club and give it a go because it's completely changed my life."

Jamie NIblock/ BBCMs Tierney says boxing "completely changed her life" and "gave her something to wake up for"

Her trainer, Rob Hodgins, said: "She has the talent. She spars world champions like Ebanie Bridges and Nina Hughes. She's been in a good mix and holds her own very well."

He added: "I think Eilish can be a world champion in the next few years."

Ms Tierney will fight her first professional boxing match on the 24 February at York Hall, London, a place where Mr Wardley fought himself in his early career.

"Anyone who's anyone in boxing has fought there.

"I'm hungry for wins, a couple of belts and a fight down Portman Road with Fab," she added.

Brett KingMs Tierney received her professional boxing licence earlier this year

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