Boxing career is a labour of glove

There’s no doubt about it, Natalie McKay is an absolute knockout.

Not only is the 20-year-old fast becoming one to watch in amateur boxing rings but she has the stunning looks to boot.

“I’m an extremely girly-girl, which most people are surprised to learn, especially as I’m a boxer!” she laughs.

“I love my make-up and my wardrobe is full of dresses and heels but when it comes to sport, I’m extremely competitive. I think that’s where my macho side comes out!”

Natalie may have nothing of a fighter physique, but that doesn’t stop her packing a good punch.

She was recently named lady boxer of the year by national governing body, Amateur Boxing Scotland.

And earlier this year, she captured the Scottish Championship title.

But next up for Natalie is having a fighting chance to represent her country in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and of making it into Team GB for the 2016 Olympics provided she can guarantee some funding to allow her to travel abroad for matches.

“It’s harder for girls to get sponsorship in the sport,” she says.

“I’m trying, but it’s not an easy task!”

The youth worker first started fighting at the age of five with judo lessons.

After winning five straight junior titles, she switched to boxing at 11, after watching brothers Sean, Don and Darren in the ring.

“I really wanted to do it and after watching a couple of girls come on, my mind was made up that I’d train and beat them and I did,” she says.

After just two years training, Natalie made boxing history when she became the first Scottish female to compete in the World Amateur Championships aged just 15.

However, getting good at the sport hasn’t come without injury. It seems to be a labour of glove as Natalie admits she’s had a couple of black eyes, some bruised ribs and her nose bleeds during most fights.

“I don’t have a good nose for hitting,” she laughs. “It bleeds every time someone punches it!

“But I’ve never had a more serious injury than that and certainly nothing that required going to hospital.”

She’s been training under the watchful eye of Kenny Crighton for nine years at the Victoria Boxing Club in Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire and, after going through her coaching exams, now trains youngsters herself in the sport.

Although she admits it’s hard work, dedicated Natalie, who trains 18 hours a week, says it would be great if more women got involved in the sport.

“There’s no reason women can’t box,” she says.

“It takes the same dedication and hard work for us as it does for men and we deserve the same respect.

“It’s no more dangerous for women than it is for men. We wear the same protection as the guys do.

“It’s all about persuading women to give it a go.”