Katie Clegg found an escapism within boxing and has watched her life transform while being a part of the sport.

As a child, Katie often found herself misbehaving, however with the influence of her sporting family she was able to turn this around and begin her dedicated journey into boxing.

The 19-year-old has always been heavily involved in the world of sport. With her grandad Mick Clegg as an ex-coach at Manchester United, two of her uncles Mike and Steven Clegg playing for the premier league team and uncles Shaun and Mark as professional weightlifters, Katie was bound to follow suit.

As well as this, her mum Amanda as well as Steven and Mark, own Olympic Sports Gym in Ashton, a hub where so many athletes go to fine tune their fitness needs.

But for Katie, her entry to boxing came when she mentioned to her boxing-loving father that she would love to give the sport a go. Before she knew it, they were heading to training sessions together.

The discipline and intense training have been incredibly beneficial for Katie, who in the last five years has developed an amazing talent.

“I’m lucky to have a best friend whose mum is a sports nutritionist, Kathryn Owens helps me with my diet to lose or gain weight for upcoming fights.

“I also have incredible coaches at Tameside Elite who work so hard with me. Steven Buckley, Steve Brady and Dennis Whitehead are amazing.

“For me, early morning runs, training two or three times a day, eating the right things and not drinking is what the preparation consists of,” she says.

This would be tough for any 19-year-old, but Katie takes it all in her stride and undoubtably sees the benefits.

Her latest achievement was being crowned the MTK Lord Lonsdale Box Cup Champion 2021, an extremely commendable title. Prior to this, Katie had won four gold medals in various events, however she says her biggest achievement is her commitment to the sport.

“My biggest achievement is putting my everything into anything I do. Win or lose I always put in 100% effort, and this is something I’m extremely proud of when giving up is so easy,” she says.

Setting aside the time for training has only started to become difficult since she started University. Katie studies Law with Criminology at the University of Manchester and knows this must be a priority for her long-term goals.

“Aside from University I’ve never really struggled to make time to train. My friends, family and boyfriend are all so supportive as they know it’s something I love.

“They know that if we go out, I can only eat healthy and I am unable to drink, I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such supportive people,” Katie says.

Despite this rigorous regime, Katie ensures that she sets aside time after a fight to indulge in some treats.

“After a fight I do like to have a cocktail and eat the foods I like. When you haven’t done it for months, you really appreciate a good cocktail and or a meal.

“I go out with my boyfriend or friends and do something fun, but I only allow myself to have a few days off before I get back on schedule,” she says.

Katie says she would encourage anyone looking to fight to throw themselves into it and see how it goes.

“You will know as soon as you get hit in the face whether or not you have what it takes. However, its not a bad thing if you don’t.

“Boxing is an art and it’s an amazing but complex sport to get into. It can take your mind to a place that nothing else can and I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” she says.

Tameside Elite Boxing Academy based in Stalybridge have created some exceptional fighters over the last decade and have a plethora of young talented boxers at the club. One talented young fighter, Sydney Chambers, has recently faced her first fight aged just 16 in which she came out with a silver medal.

If boxing sounds like the sport for you then step up and give it a go.

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside or Glossop?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk 

You can read last week's column here.

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