Healy can be better fighter for title defeat

Katie Healy is all smiles at the world title weigh-in

WITH the dust now settled, it’s time to assess Katie Healy’s failed bid to lift the WBA world bantamweight title.

Victory against reigning champ Nina Hughes at Wembley on Saturday night would’ve been something of a fistic fairytale. The Black Country 25-year-old, taking part in her seventh contest, got the call-up late.

But in the unforgiving world of professional boxing, fairytales seldom occur.

On paper, it seemed a fairly even encounter. Champ Hughes is 40 and had only five bouts under her belt.

Healy – a fighter who has impressed me in the past – was unbeaten, had taken the WBF “world” super-bantam crown in South Africa and came into the ring with an edge in height, age and paid experience.

I fancied her chances. I was wrong.

Hughes, from Billericay, Essex, dominated. Even when she seemed to be flagging down the stretch she dominated.

Healy showed a heart as big as a bucket, took some clumping shots, but never stopped trying to turn the tide. One shot appeared to rock her in the sixth, but she dug deep and enjoyed, perhaps, her best moments in the seventh.

Judges Luigi Boscarelli and Howard Foster had the champ winning every round, 100-90. Bertrand Chagnoux gave former kickboxing star Healy a single session, 99-91.

Hughes, much the shorter, managed to get inside Katie’s long levers and that was where the fight was won and lost.  Healy, at times, appeared to have few answers and at one point her corner could be heard imploring: “Do you want to win a world title? Then start punching.”

This was Healy’s first taste of a true big fight bill and handling everything that goes with it takes experience.

Katie has now been there, needs to learn from it and can emerge a better boxer from defeat.

That was echoed by trainer Gavin Burrows who posted on facebook: “So, last night wasn’t to be, but I couldn’t be prouder of Katie Healy.

“She never shies away from anything or anyone. In her fifth pro fight, Katie travelled to South Africa to win the WBF world title and in her seventh fight she was challenging the current WBA champion on three weeks notice.

“Katie gained some valuable experience on the big stage and at only 25-years-old experiences like this will only set us up for a bright future in the sport.”

And Healy’s brave stand certainly made her family proud.

Sister Charlotte posted: “I am immensely proud of this girl right here, who I am proud to call my sister.

“Taking an opportunity for a world title at Wembley at the last minute when most people would’ve bottled it shows strength, power, determination and no fear.

“It may not have been her night and she didn't get the win, but my baby sister put on an amazing performance as usual. We are so, so proud and she inspires me every day.”

Healy lost to a very good fighter – and lost for the first time. That should never be seen as the end – champions turn such setbacks into a new beginning.