Boxing Punchlines: Vicky Wilkinson
What a team…Vicky Wilkinson and Tony Marshall. Pic: Michael Ault
Vicky Wilkinson, super-feather, 5-1-1. From Wombourne, aged 40
Why where and when did you start boxing?
Started boxing in 2012 after a serious ankle injury doing kick-boxing which ended up needing surgery and meant I couldn’t kick. I thought, let’s start boxing and I started at the Lions boxing gym, Brierley Hill.
Tell us about your debut?
It was against Beccy Ferguson who I know before the fight as we sparred together. The fight was closer than I expected as Beccy came out completely different from sparring. It was a good first fight.
How many amateur bouts did you have?
I think I had about 26 - 14 with Lions boxing gym, I think. After leaving there I had about four years off boxing, then I started again in 2018 with Darlaston, where I had 12.
What, if any, titles did you win or contest for?
I won two amateur development national titles.
Now tell us about your professional training team?
I train out of Darlaston where I boxed as an amateur. I love my team, we all get on so well. Me and Tony (Marshall), the head coach, are so funny together. We moan at each other like a married couple, but I have so much respect for him. I do moan at him some days and he just listens to me. As a teamm we just all work well.
How did you find the transition to the professional ranks?
I found it OK. The only thing I thought for my first fight was, what will it be like without a headguard? I felt it was better as a headguards move a lot. I think I box better as a pro than an amateur as I don’t move my feet loads.
You’ve fought Bec Ferguson three times and made history by beating her in the first ever women’s Midland area title fight. Tell us about the trilogy?
I’ve done a lot really in two years as a professional. I’m lucky to have had the opportunities. The first fight against Beccy, to be fair, was close, that is why I expected the rematch on her home show, which I felt I won every round.
Making history for the Midland area title was an honour. Yes, it was again against Beccy but we are both from the Midlands and you can only fight the person in front of you. It was a great 10 round fight, we both worked hard to win and I came out on top. I have so much respect for Beccy, I would class her as a friend.
Next fight see’s you against Kirsty Hill for the super-featherweight Commonwealth title. It will be the third time you’ve fought for a Commonwealth belt. Third time lucky?
Let’s hope so as I think this will be my last chance to win the Commonwealth title.
What is yet to come from Vicky Wilkinson?
I’m 40 now. I hope I am getting better, not older. I’m not sure what is to come after this one, I just want to think about this fight. I have always said I just want to inspire the younger generations to believe in themselves. Anything is possible if you give it 100 per cent.
Interview by DEREK FITZPATRICK