Thurso big hitter hopes for glory in the ring
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WITH few other Far North females competing, Thurso boxer Sarah Harper spends most of her time sparring with the opposite sex.
But the 24-year-old, from Thurso, said she wouldn’t have it any other way, joking it’s the perfect preparation as she aspires to become a professional lightweight boxer.
The feisty sportswoman, who is based in Inverness, enjoyed her second competitive bout in the city last weekend when she lost by a point to an opponent who was four kilos heavier.
But the former Thurso High pupil is growing in confidence all the time, as she loves getting into the ring.
“When I was first asked if I would be interested in boxing, I declined as I thought it was a sport just for men,” she told the John O’Groat Journal.
“But the more I got into it, the more I loved it and it has become the biggest thing in my life.”
Fitness fanatic Sarah, who works as a barber in the Victorian Market, was a keen kick boxer when she moved south seven years ago.
It was a client who first suggested she try boxing in 2009. She has since developed her passion and has teamed up with coach Laurie Redfern to help her progress.
She takes her boxing career extremely seriously, ensuring she is constantly in top condition.
“The thing I love most about boxing is how it keeps my body in shape,” she said. “It is important for me to have a nice toned body and wake up feeling good. I also have a set diet which involves me eating a lot of protein such as chicken and fish, and not drinking alcohol excessively or eating takeaways. It is important to eat the right food if you want to compete in the ring.”
Though only competing at amateur level at the moment, Sarah has ambitions to turn pro.
She trains with her coach’s daughter, Lorna Redfern, who is the current women’s Amateur Boxing Association champion, when she is on leave from the army.
Laurie said Sarah has the ability to go a long way in the sport if she keeps her focus.
“The problem is that there aren’t too many other boxers based in the Highlands, so getting her to compete in competitive bouts is an issue. She is very committed to staying in shape and is constantly in the gym.
“Despite only competing in two bouts, she has already shown a lot of potential that she can compete at a high level.
“In Scotland, it is definitely a problem getting girls to take up the sport but, as a development officer, I am hoping to take Sarah to train with the elite squad at least once a month.”
Sarah, in the meantime, hopes to travel to England to get involved in more competitive bouts.
She is also planning to arrange an exhibition fight with Lorna in the near future.
