Bavvo: I’ll win for the pupils at my school

Kirstie Bavington…all smiles at Thursday’s press conference

WHATEVER happens tomorrow (Saturday) night, Kirstie Bavington will have played her part in boxing history.

When the dust has settled at the Genting Arena, Black Country’s “Bavvo” will have either fought in the first ever all-female bout for a Lonsdale Belt or become the first woman to be crowned a British champ.

Whichever way you cut it, that’s an incredible claim to fame.

Let’s be honest, the 30-year-old former European welterweight champ is up against it. In the opposite corner is Lauren Price MBE, an Olympic gold medallist. As an amateur middleweight, she simultaneously held the Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles.

The 28-year-old is an all-round athlete, having also captured top honours in football and kick-boxing.

In her fourth pro fight this year, she attempts to add another first to her impressive CV. On Saturday, she aims to take the British welterweight title.

Bavington, who has travelled the 10 round distance four times in a 12 bout career, is trading on experience.

But she’s coming off a loss, having been outpointed by Canadian Kandi Wyatt in March. Kirstie – a teacher at Sedgley’s Beacon Hill Academy – is tough, brave, but up against a real talent.

I’ve got a lot of time for the Wolverhampton warrior. She’s never turned down an interview and speaks honestly and candidly.

Kirstie even took time out to chat – one to one - during Thursday’s glitzy press conference. Among the bright young things weighed down by new technology, I was the old bloke in a cloth cap clutching a note book.

Kirstie still made sure I had an interview. She’s remained true to her roots.

Before me, a Californian journalist stuck his microphone under her nose. I overhead a lot of “that’s awesome Kirstie”.

Our interview began with a Black Country exchange: “Yam alright?” “I’m alright, yam alright?”

Kirstie told the packed room: “It’s just another 10 round fight for me. I want to make sure I stay on this platform by getting the win on Saturday night. Katie Price has achieved a lot, but I’ve achieved a lot as well.

“She has to fight me on Saturday. I’m going to give it to her and get the win. She’s not done a 10 rounder before. She’s going to be good and fast, but I’m here to win. I train two to three times a day, I’m going to carry on the way I always have done.

“I’m not going to run forward and get my head knocked off. I’m going to bring that title back to Beacon Academy and inspire the children to be the best they can possibly be.”

Throughout, Welsh southpaw Price remained deadpan. “I live the life,” she told reporters. “I’m (training) in Sheffield all the time. Whatever sport I’ve done, I’ve always given 100 per cent and come out on top.

“I believe in myself. I will come out victorious. Each fight, there are little improvements and little steps-up. I will come out victorious on Saturday.”

“I know Kirstie’s game and tough, but I believe I’m a level above.”

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