Rotherham boxer set to take on the world

Sharon Holford, 30, who is set to take part in the World Women's Amateur Boxing Championship in Barbados between September 7 - 19, has been chosen as one of five fighters from the UK to take part in the prestigious competition against boxers from 76 other countries.

Sharon, who fights in the Bantamweight category, will be taking time off from her job as a fitness instructor for DC Leisure at Rotherham Leisure Complex to train for the gruelling knockout-style competition, is looking forward to showing off her skills against the best the world has to offer.

"It'll be a very tough competition," commented Sharon from her Rotherham town centre based job. "We will be going against the best of the best and, as it's a 'World Cup' style draw as to who your opponent will be, you could be facing the World Champion in your first fight.

Sharon will be joined in Barbados by fellow boxers Nicola Adams (Flyweight), Amanda Coulson (Lightweight), Savannah Marshall (Welterweight) and Chantelle Cameron (Light Welterweight), who are all hoping for medal success.

"I've had 27 fights, the majority of which I've won," commented Sharon, who has been boxing for the past six and a half years. "Despite the tough competition, there's no reason why I can't bring a medal back with me. I'm proud to be representing both my town and my country and I'm determined to bring glory back to Rotherham ."

Sharon, who is without sponsorship funds her training and equipment out of her own pocket, is no stranger to taking her skills abroad. "I've fought across Europe , but never as far away as Barbados ," she added. "This will be my first World Championship and I'm quite nervous, but the excitement is cancelling it out.

"My managers here at Rotherham Leisure Complex have been fantastic and supported me every step of the way. I'm having to fly out to Miami on August 26 for a week of training and acclimatising to the heat and time difference, then onto Barbados for the main show.

"Because the call came at the last minute, they have given me the time off at short notice and their full support. It's a great team here and they know it means the world to me to be selected for the competition."

Chris Wright, General Manager of Rotherham Leisure Complex, added: " Sharon is a fantastic member of staff and we're happy to help her in achieving her dream of fighting in a world championship.

"She's worked here ever since the centre opened two years ago and she's a first-class instructor. We're all extremely proud that she's managed to get to the stage she has, she's such a dedicated person and it's great to see her hard work paying off.

"For us it's a real feather in our cap to have someone in a fitness role who is going out and competing in international championships. It means she can use that expertise to help our customers achieve their goals a little bit faster.

"From all the staff and customers here at Rotherham Leisure Complex, well done Sharon , we're sure you'll be a knock-out!"

If you fancy pulling on the gloves yourself, Rotherham Leisure Complex has a number of Boxercise classes to take part in. For more information call 01709 722555.