A BORN FIGHTER


A BORN FIGHTER

A small spark to a roaring fire

Chelsea is a young boxer who trains and fights at Ards Boxing Club and never in my life have I met someone so committed, determined and courageous. She is just 15, but already she is so focused on her future and has her eyes set on competing in the Olympics. I had the privilege of meeting Chelsea at Nendrum College where we both went to school, I watched her grow and develop for four years. I remember Chelsea when she was unsure and unmotivated about life, but now she is a fighter, she gives everything her best and no goal is too great or too small. Chelsea always had a kind heart, but she didn’t have the drive to help in her community, although Chelsea may have never believed in herself before, I always believed in her. You see Chelsea had a spark in her- I knew she was unique and I knew that her transformation would be absolutely incredible and I was 100% right.

Living the life of a boxer

Chelsea told me that before boxing became the centre of her life, “I was in different clubs outside of school, but I found it challenging to commit to anything, but boxing changed my whole life. It changed my whole view of life, helping me with my confidence, maturity and shaping my body. I always knew that there was something out there to try, but I never thought that it would’ve been boxing, but now I wouldn’t turn back. For me, boxing has not only shown me how to keep fit and eat properly, but training in the gym has helped me to see the real world and it has shown the importance of helping in my own community. This leads me to the reason why I am now coaching young people in boxing- I want to change lives, just like others helped me to change mine. I believe it isn’t just boxing, it is life coaching- I am helping young people to see that they have what it takes to chase and live their dreams. I also take boxing classes and I love watching people achieve their goal and work to the best of their ability.”

Fighting mental illnesses

In June, Chelsea and her best friend Josh Owens raised £600 for Action Mental Health by doing a 72 minute sponsor fight, which is 24 rounds of sparring. She chose this charity because it is something that is close to the hearts of everyone at Ards Boxing Club. I believe that anyone who takes on a fundraising challenge is truly inspirational, but to inspire others to get involved is even more incredible and this is exactly what she did! Ards Boxing Club was packed out on the night of her fight with all her family and friends cheering her on!

Wise words

Chelsea has a lot to say to every young person out there and she has kindly put together some words for you, “I know it is going to be hard and tiring, but never give up. Whatever your mind is set on, go for it. Whenever you can, always make other people a huge focus of your goal, help those in need because you never know when it is going to be you that is needing help. I believe in every single young person in this world because I know that I wouldn’t have reached where I am today without everyone who has believed in me. I am living my dream life and there is nothing more satisfying and exciting than that, but the thing is, you can live yours too! “


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