Derbyshire-based boxer Amy Greatorex recently spoke with Boxing News about the fights that truly excited her and her passion for heavy metal music. Here`s a quick look at her thoughts:
Sixty-Seconds Profile: Amy Greatorex
Age: 38
Twitter: @AmyGreatorex
Instagram: amygreatorex
Nationality: British
From: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 1-11
Next fight: To be announced
When and why did you start boxing?
I began around eight years ago, initially for fitness. I had always wanted to try it but felt too overweight and lacked the confidence to enter a gym back then. I started with a fitness class at my local gym, which focused on kickboxing but primarily boxing, and I discovered how much I enjoyed it.
This led me to find a dedicated boxing gym, and eventually, an amateur gym where I got carded just before turning 30. I really wish I could have started earlier, but the opportunity wasn`t readily available when I was younger, especially for girls in my area.
Who is your favourite all-time fighter?
I remember watching greats like Frank Bruno, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Prince Naseem Hamed. However, I consistently come back to Lomachenko; I believe his technique is absolutely brilliant! There are also so many inspiring female boxers I admire. They`ve all played a crucial role in paving the way for fighters like myself, which I think is incredible.
What`s the best fight you`ve ever seen?
That`s tough. But the one that truly got my heart pounding was George Groves versus Chris Eubank Jr. I actually lost my voice for a while after watching it, and I was just at home!
What is your personal career highlight?
Competing in Sweden at the Golden Girls Championships as an amateur was an amazing experience for me. When I first started, I never imagined getting those kinds of opportunities, especially having entered the sport so late.
My first away win against a WBC champion and fighting for the Midlands Area title are also highlights, proving to those who doubted me what I`m capable of. But honestly, my entire professional career so far feels like a highlight, from the initial support I received leading up to my debut, right up to now. It all feels like a dream and amazes me every day. The best is still ahead.
Who was your toughest opponent?
Vaida Masiokaite. That was definitely a difficult debut fight, made harder by all the drama beforehand. I think I was a bit shocked initially, but she is genuinely strong and has great experience. I don`t think she gets the credit she truly deserves often enough.
What are your best and worst attributes as a boxer?
My best would probably be my fitness, determination, and my motivation to constantly improve. My worst, I`d say, is being a perfectionist… and I don`t really mind taking a punch.
What is your training tip?
Make sure you put in maximum effort, because you truly get out what you put in. Seize every opportunity you can for extra sparring experience. But remember, rest is crucial (something I need to tell myself to listen to!).
What do you get out of boxing?
I absolutely love it. I live and breathe boxing. There`s probably not an hour in the day I`m not thinking about it in some way. Weirdly, it actually relaxes me. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, boosts my confidence, and is definitely a great stress reliever! It`s also brought me friends who are like family, and for that, I`m forever grateful.
What is your favourite meal or restaurant?
Give me a Sunday roast any day (especially my mum`s!). But I also like a `spoons (Wetherspoon`s). I`m clearly a cheap date. I think I`m a bit unusual because I actually enjoy eating all the required diet food during weight cuts – so much so that I miss it when I`m back to being allowed to eat out.
Who are your best friends in boxing?
I met my best friends, Becky and Lauren, through boxing, although they don`t compete. It`s also been fantastic making new friends since moving to Riley’s Boxing and Fitness Centre – people who genuinely want you to succeed! I met Bianca and Grace through boxing at Riley`s, and we have great spars where we`re just `throwing love taps`. It`s wonderful being able to share experiences with other female boxers in the gym.
Have you ever been starstruck?
Many times, usually when meeting bands I really admire. I always end up talking nonsense, but that`s nothing new – it`s just my everyday life! I was a bit starstruck meeting Hannah Rankin before her fight against Terri Harper. Hannah is incredibly lovely! She even messaged me after my debut to check in and offer advice if I ever needed it. I thought that was so incredibly kind of her.
When was the last time you cried?
I`m not sure, to be honest. I do cry out of frustration. I know I cried after my debut when my sisters told me they were proud of me. Anything like that, if someone genuinely means it, definitely gets me emotional.
What is the best advice you`ve received?
Probably all the advice I`ve been given since moving to Riley`s. Much of what came before feels irrelevant now. The key is: Don`t focus on what happened in the past. Focus on what`s coming next, both inside and outside the ring.
What is the worst rumour you`ve heard about yourself?
I don`t think there really are any. I`m relatively unknown, so people don`t talk about me much, not that I know of anyway. Once, a friend I used to work with told our new manager that I used to be a stripper (I worked in a nursery!).
He also announced the same thing over the speakers at a club where he used to DJ. So, it wasn`t exactly a rumour, but some people actually believed it, though I have no idea why. I don`t exactly have the `assets` to be a stripper!
Something not many people know about you:
I love heavy metal music and can play the drums (probably not very well nowadays, though).
What one thing would you change in boxing?
Right now, I`d probably change every professional fight to have three judges instead of the referee also scoring the fight. I feel like the referee, even though they are central to the action, can miss a lot if they are only seeing the fight from one angle.
