Boxing: Emily Whitworth wins All England National Schoolgirl title

Curtis Fitzsimmons, Danny Whitworth, Emily Whitworth and coach Connor Burton

Emily Whitworth, 12, has become Middleton Select ABC’s first female national champion after winning the All England National Schoolgirl minor title on Sunday (28 May).

Emily, from Heywood, has been boxing for over a year at Middleton Select ABC and attends St Anne’s Academy in Middleton.

After three rounds against Gracie Holland, of Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley, she won the title in the 48-50kg weight category by unanimous decision.

Emily started the first round very fast, going forward, attacking her much-taller opponent so Gracie couldn’t box her at long range. She won this round clearly as her opponent tired towards the end.

In the second round, Gracie tried to counter punch Emily, boxing off her back foot, but Emily stood her ground. She kept defending and then attacking with four and five punch assaults, knocking Gracie off balance quite frequently.

By the third round, Gracie knew she had to hurt Emily or stop her to win, so came out of her corner rushing. Emily remained calm, catching every combination her opponent threw at her, her confidence growing throughout the round.

Coach Martyn Lynch said: “All the coaches at the gym are very proud of Emily’s performance. Gracie put up a great fight as well.”

Emily will also receive a free boxing kit of her choice, a one year free subscription and membership as a reward from Middleton Select.