A WAITRESS who joined her local boxing gym to keep fit has won an elite national title at the first time of asking.

Despite being the underdog on paper, Hannah Robinson became English champion under 60kg at the This Girl Can Box tournament held in Millwall, London, last weekend.

The 22-year-old Durham University graduate was invited to compete at the event as part of a national campaign by Sport England celebrating female sport and encouraging women to be active.

“My coach got a call to see if I’d like to fight for a national title but it was a massive step up for me so I was really nervous, but we worked on a few things in training and once I got my head round it my confidence grew and I was pleased with how I did.

“The girl I fought, Sarah Dunne from Bury, is more experienced and has competed for England so on paper she was the favourite but I had a strong opening round.

“I won on points, it was a close split decision.

“I hate losing. This was my toughest fight, my biggest challenge so I was over the moon with it.”

Miss Robinson joined Bishop Auckland Amateur Boxing Club in her mid-teens to get some exercise and only entered the ring competitively after turning 18.

In the last year she has boxed well, with highlights including winning the famous Haringey Box Cup and the Senior Development Championships, a national contest for boxers with less than 14 bouts, at Grantham, in October.

It was those performances that caught the eye of organisers of This Girl Can Box who also named her at the show’s best senior boxer overall.

She fits training in twice a day, around her job at a cafe in Darlington, and praised her coaches at Bishop Auckland ABC for helping her compete at a higher level.

As the holder of a national belt, Miss Robinson would have to try to retain the title if anyone challenges her and hopes to continue to prove she can compete with the best.

“I’ve got a lot more self belief now, I needed a test to see where I was and proved to myself I can compete with the best, I’d love to go on to represent my country,” she said.

Miss Robinson thanked supporters who helped fund her competition expenses and urged people to help boost the coffers at Bishop Auckland ABC, which is based on Murphy Crescent, Woodhouse Close Estate.

  • Its home show featuring exhibition bouts between club and guest boxers will be at Tindale Crescent Workingmen’s Club, Bishop Auckland, on Friday, December 9, doors open at 7pm, admission £12.