Bavington: I’ll come back even stronger

Kirsty Bavington…setback in front of her home fans

THERE’S a lot to admire about Kirstie Bavington, European welterweight champ.

On Friday night at the Hangar Events Venue, the Wolverhampton fighter rolled the dice against Canada’s Kandi Wyatt and came up short.

Kirstie, aged 30, tried to bulldoze her way into the 10 rounder, but was caught by stiff counters. At the final bell of their WBA inter-continental clash, I had no doubt the visitor was ahead, although one judge gave it to Bavington.

That could prove a costly loss. Bavvo was closing in on a world title fight and defeat has diminished her bargaining power.

I like the way Kirstie has taken the setback. There have been no “we wuz robbed” rants, no excuses have been trotted out.

The boxer – a PE teacher by day – has shown sportsmanship.

On facebook, she said: “Still confused over what happened, I had the best camp possible, felt great. But this loss won’t define me, still loads to learn and I’ll continue to rise. Not my night, but we go again. Born Fighter! Respect to my opponent.”

Kirstie added: “Some things aren’t meant to be. Hard pill to swallow. I’ll be back stronger.”