Vicky hangs up her gloves after title loss

Kirsty Hill proudly clutches the Commonwealth belt

VICKY Wilkinson has retired from the ring after failing  in a third attempt to take a Commonwealth title.

Immediately after being widely outpointed by Katy Hill on BCB’s show at The Hangar, Wolverhampton, last night (Friday), the 40-year-old told me: “I’m done. Win, lose or draw, I said this would be last fight.”

Vicky can bow out with head held high. In an eight fight career, she made history by becoming the first woman to take a Midlands title and looked dreadfully unlucky  to only draw with Kristine Shergold in a previous Commonwealth junior-lightweight attempt: she seemed to have done more than enough.

Following defeat to Grimsby’s Hill, trainer Tony Marshall told me: “I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Wilkinson was beaten by much taller Hill for the vacant belt beyond argument, the visitor’s dominance underlined by scores of 98-92 (Phil Edwards), 98-93 (Terry O’Connor), 97-93 (Kevin Parker).

She simply had no answer to Hill’s jab, a superb weapon that constantly threaded through her guard. At times, Wilkinson looked like a boxer trying to ignite the old spark, searching for something in the locker that was no longer there.

“The jab beat me,” Vicky said, “I hadn’t got an answer to it. Lovely, sharp jab that kept me at bay. It was nothing to do with my fitness. She was a very good opponent, very sharp.”

She added: “I’m proud of what I’ve done. I’ve had a good two years. I love the sport and I’m going to give something back to the sport. I’ll inspire the new generation,” Wilkinson, from Wombourne, will now train boxers.

Vicky Wilkinson announces her retirement in the dressing room

Vicky (9st 2lbs 3oz) attempted to muscle Hill out of her stride and had isolated success, on my card, in the fifth and ninth, giving a score that tallied with Phil Edwards’.

But for long periods in the 10 rounder, she was second best. Hill, who registered her fifth win in sixth, speared Vicky with jabs than slammed right hands to the body.

The 31-year-old firefighter (9st 2lbs 8oz) was in the driving seat from the get-go. At times she needlessly covered up and gave ground, but largely dictated the action. It was a masterful display.

The eighth was her best session and Hill ended the contest with an eye-catching right to the head.

With the belt slung over her shoulder, Kirsty said: “It was a good performance, but I’m never totally happy. There are things to work on in the gym.

“I’m out again in November, then I want to go for the British title.”