Boxer Keira is a real golden girl

A JUNIOR boxing champion who won gold was given a special reception after representing her country.

Keira Bowden, 16, from Carlin How in East Cleveland, fought for England in the Tri-National Boxing Tournament in June, competing against Scotland and Wales.

Keira’s parents are fully supportive of her boxing career and both her brothers compete in the sport too.

Dad Mark is credited as one of her coaches and mum Sarah films all of her fights.

Keira has been boxing since she was eight and trains every day, whether at Redcar Boxing Club or at home.

Following her win, Keira and her family were welcomed by the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Stuart Smith, who presented her with flowers and spoke of how she had done Redcar and Cleveland proud.

Cllr Smith said: “We are incredibly proud of Keira and her fantastic achievements.

“Not only is she representing her country but she’s representing our borough – she has already done us so proudand we can’t wait to see where her career takes her next.”

Keira said: “Savannah Marshall is my boxing hero. My ambition is to go pro and compete at the Commonwealth Games but becoming world champion is my dream.

“I train non-stop because it’s my passion – I love it.”

After winning gold at the Tri-National, Keira’s family treated her to pizza, waffles and ice cream – though delight quickly turned into regret.

She laughed: “I threw it up, I’m usually on a very strict diet and weigh everything out.

“In the morning I have porridge, then chicken and rice for lunch, with three eggs and lots of vegetables for tea.

“So my body just isn’t used to that kind of food and one slice of pizza made me sick.”

Sarah said: “I can’t watch her fights so I just point the phone in her direction and look away.

“Keira’s had scuffs and bloody noses,and even a broken thumb so you can only imagine how I feel watching from the sidelines.”

Dad Mark added: “Female boxing is massive now and it’s continuing to grow.

“Keira has a good chance of being selected for the European Championships and she has good people around her, like her coach Niki Wiley and her uncle Frank who has never missed one of her fights.”