Zoe is set to make a bit of boxing history
Zoe Newton…first female pro from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Picture: BCB
ZOE Newton is brimming with confidence as she prepares to become the first pro female boxer from Leicestershire market town Ashby-de-la-Zouch, writes PAUL WEBB.
She will step through the ropes at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, December 20, on the undercard of BCB Promotions' “Winter Is Coming” event.
“I don't get nervous," said Newton. "I train so hard, 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. She is now ready to join the highest level of the craft. "I started boxing in 2020 and signed up for one of those charity white-collar boxing events, but it was cancelled due to Covid,” Newton said.
“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, 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. The two have struck a great working relationship since linking up.
“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 is like a second dad - he puts 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 - being in the gym is like being in a community.”
When she isn't mixing it up with some of the best prospects in the country, Newton coaches amateurs at Motiv8 Boxing & Martial Arts Fitness.
“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 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.