Fraser an instant hit with victory on pro debut

BRITISH women’s boxing has a third force, it would seem, following the emergence of Aberdeen bantamweight Kristen Fraser.

The 28-year-old subsea engineer secured an impressive debut win against Lana Cooper of Wales at the Granite City’s Treetops Hotel on Friday evening, by dint of an emphatic 60-54 points score.

Scotland’s first woman professional, Fraser follows in the footsteps of Olympians Nicola Adams and Katie Taylor. Indeed, she has beaten double gold medallist Adams to the punch, given that the latter will not have her first paid bout until Saturday.

Fraser may lack the pair’s experience but she already fancies the idea of eventually crossing swords with them in the longer term. “The thought of eventually squaring up to Nicola and Katie is definitely at the back of my mind,” said the five-time Scottish amateur champion and two-time British Universities title-holder.

“I’m going to be chasing big fights and I want to bring them to Aberdeen because the crowd here is fantastic. Nothing that happened on Friday night has put me off and I’m raring to go for my next fight at Peterhead on May 27, which happens to be my birthday.

“The fight was a bit more physical than I was used to in the amateurs, but I was pleased with the way I handled myself, got in her face from the start and controlled the bout with my jab.

“I have to be pleased to have beaten someone who was having their ninth professional fight and who is far more experienced. She knows how to deal with opponents who give her trouble and I was not sure beforehand if I would be able to match her, given my inexperience.

“But I was on top of my game a couple of rounds in and I feel great. I have a few superficial marks but didn’t suffer any cuts or swelling.”

The new girl on the block added: “My coach, Davie McAllister, was also pleased with the way I handled myself and planted my feet so I could pick bigger shots rather than delivering flurries of punches.

“We’ve spent hours working on my jab and it was pleasing that all the training and coaching came to fruition.

“I was naturally a little nervous but I didn’t allow the crowd or the atmosphere to distract me. I think Davie was surprised how relaxed I was and pleased that he didn’t have to deal with me having a meltdown.”