Molly is out to prove she still packs punch

Molly Perkins, 13, fought competitively for the first time in 12 months last weekend and won by a unanimous decision over three 90 second rounds against Luton Academy fighter Tysie Gallagher.

It was the perfect return to the ring for the Myton School pupil, who had considered walking away from the sport last year.

Molly, of Oakwood Grove, said: “A lot of my family were there to support me and I came back with a lot of vengeance because I wanted to prove myself.

“I was a bit nervous at first but once I saw my opponent I settled down.

“She was bigger than me but I watched her on the pads before the match to see what I was up against.

“There is also a video of her on YouTube which I watched to see what she was like but she wasn’t as strong as I thought she would be.”

The match, which took place last Friday, was Molly’s first for her new club Stratford ABC.

She took up kickboxing aged five, boxing at 10, and has previously fought for Leamington ABC.

Molly trains in Stratford three times a week

Stratford members have recently paid tribute to Molly’s progress under new coach Matthew Pickering by voting her the club’s Most Improved Boxer.

Molly said: “I was really happy and surprised at the same time.

“I love it at Stratford, it’s like a big family there and everybody gets on

“I started boxing just to protect myself but now I know what I’m doing and I trust my coach a lot

“I know boxing is considered more of a boys’ sport but more girls are getting into it and with female boxing in the Olympics its getting more popular.”

Molly’s match was watched by former British, Commonwealth, European lightweight and the IBO light welterweight title holder Billy Schwer.

Schwer praised the youngster and offered her words of encouragement.

Molly said: “He told me he liked my skills that one day I could be in the Olympics. I would like to win the ABA Midlands School Girls’ Championship next year and then when I turn 15 I’ll try and box for the national team.

“I think I’m ready and my coach has told me I have the potential.”

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