Vicky up for hat-trick of top boxing awards

Vicky Wilkinson…vows to come back stronger from defeat

FOR Vicky Wilkinson, the shortlist for June’s Midlands area Boxing Board of Control annual awards will have given her a much needed boost following the fighter’s first pro loss.

She has been nominated in three categories: best female boxer, best female bout and also has a place in the recognition awards category.

That’s heady stuff for a 40-year-old who juggles a boxing career with her job as an army recruitment officer based at Fallings Park, Wolverhampton.

Vicky, from Wombourne, is still smarting after her first pro loss in a seven fight career. At Liverpool’s Echo Arena last month, she was dropped twice by body shots and halted in six by Rhiannon Dixon. With the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title on the line, Dixon looked something special.

Wilkinson, who appeared dreadfully unlucky to only draw in a previous bid to take the Commonwealth junior-lightweight belt, vowed she’s learnt from the setback. Defeat has only fuelled her desire, ambition and determination.

She has certainly not hidden behind excuses.

“She hit harder than I expected,” Vicky said. “She caught me with a beautiful body shot, that’s it. Where I did struggle was actually putting weight on for the fight. I walk around at 61kg (9st 8lbs) and that’s eating normally.

“Lightweight’s too heavy for me. Featherweight, I could make that without a problem. But that’s not an excuse – I got caught by a beautiful body shot and the better woman won on the night.

“I learned from the experience. The second time I got up, I put my hands on my hip, rather to my guard and the fight was stopped. I was ready to fight on, but I think another body shot would’ve put me down again.”

Despite age being against her, Vicky remains hungry for honours.

“I’d love another title fight,” she added, “but I’m not sure what’s next. We need to speak to Errol (manager Errol Johnson).

Vicky, bright and articulate, lost to a top fighter. That happens to the best.

It’s how a boxer reacts to defeat that separates the champs from the also-rans.