Summer shows star quality in title defeat

Summer Grigg celebrates last year’s success in the Euros

IN title defeat, teenage sensation Summer Grigg showed all the qualities needed for ring stardom.

And that is what many good judges are tipping for the fighter from Kingstanding’s 2nd City gym.

On Sunday at the national junior ABA championship final in Wigan, Summer stepped up two weight classes, gave away nearly two years in age and gave one of the country’s hottest prospects a real battle.

Her victor Lilley Bassett, from Mitcham’s TM Gym, has lost only one of 33 bouts and rules at national and international level. Not many want to face Lilley.

Yet 14-year-old Summer punched it out with Bassett and, in the first, had the better of exchanges. Her cause was not helped by a points deduction for holding and Summer dropped a unanimous decision.

Her stock has risen through the performance. It was Summer’s toughest test to date – and then some.

Birmingham’s reigning European schools champ could’ve competed at under 44 kilos, even 42, but she moved up to 46 to test herself against the best.

Dad Liam, who trains Lilley alongside 2nd City boss Paddy Farrell, said: “This is the proudest I’ve been of her.

“We could’ve gone in at 44 kilos or 42 and won, but learned nothing from it. You learn from the losses.”

Paddy Farrell, part of a famous Birmingham boxing family, said: “It was an incredible display of courage, resilience and heart from Summer. She didn’t just compete—she tested herself in a huge way. Lilley Bassett was no easy challenge, but Summer gave it her all.

“Despite the natural weight difference and the tough fight, Summer showed exactly why she’s a champion. Her performance in the first round, scoring head and body shots, proved her skill.

“Even when fatigue set in, she pushed through with grit and determination. The fight was intense and Summer never gave up. She proved that true champions are made through challenges like these and that the real value lies in the experience gained.

Paddy added: “Yesterday was a major step forward for Summer and that invaluable experience will shape her into an even more formidable force in the future. Summer, you’re an absolute inspiration.”

Liam has no doubt Summer, who has lost only four of 24 bouts, will achieve very, very big things.

He said: “She is on the right path to go Commonwealth, Olympic, then we’ll look at turning pro. There is nothing to stop her.”