Euro champ Kirstie: The kids at school will keep me humble

Kirstie Bavington cherished the belt after victory (Pic: Facebook)

YOU have to admire the “never say die” spirit of Kirstie Bavington, a fighter who has become a double European champion just as many were penning obituaries about her record-breaking career.

In Laval, western France, on Saturday, the Pensnett welter gained split decision victory over Marine Beauchamp to claim the vacant EBU title.

In doing so, “Bavvo” regained the belt she claimed in 2022 by outpointing Timea Belik in Wolverhampton.

As she succinctly posted on facebook: “Got it back!”

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Bavington, guided by BCB Promotions, is back at Beacon Hill Academy where she works as a PE teacher. She’ll take the belt with her.

“I’m sure the kids will humble me,” she said.

At the age of 32 and with 16 fights behind her (five losses, two draws), Kirstie has punched her way back into big fights on big shows.

By the end of 10 hard rounds, there was clear daylight between Bavington and the French fighter – as reflected by judges Fabian Guggenheim and Juergen Langos’ scores of 98-92 and 97-93, respectively.

Guido Cavalleri’s 96-94 tally for Beauchamp, who lost for the second time in nine (one draw), was wide of the mark.

Kirstie can be forgiven for smiling smugly at those who believed she was slipping, that retirement beckoned.

In a remarkable career, she made history by fighting in the first female British title bout. Lauren Price took every round of their contest last year.

That was followed by points defeat to April Hunter – a boxer she beaten before.

“I don’t think anything tops that,” Kirstie said of the weekend’s win. “When I was over there, everyone was telling me how hard it is to get a result in France. I pressured her for 10 rounds.

“It’s motivating when people say you’re near the end. I knew a performance like this was coming, I was putting the hard work in, every morning, every night. I believe in the karma – all the good things you do will pay off.

“I’m just going to carry on with what I’m doing, back in the gym. I just want to soak up the moment and inspire the next generation – show what you can achieve if you put the work in.”

She added: “I needed the win, the gym needed the win.”