Sharon ready for world date

ROTHERHAM is set to make its mark on the boxing world as one of its feisty fighters gets ready to step into the ring on the international stage.

Sharon Holford, 30, who is set to take part in the World Women's Amateur Boxing Championship in Barbados between September 7 - 19, has been chosen as one of five fighters from the UK to take part in the prestigious competition against boxers from 76 other countries.

Sharon, who fights in the bantamweight category, will be taking time off from her job as a fitness instructor for DC Leisure at Rotherham Leisure Complex to train for the gruelling knockout-style competition, is looking forward to showing off her skills against the best the world has to offer.

"It'll be a very tough competition," commented Sharon from her Rotherham town centre based job. "We will be going against the best of the best and, as it's a 'World Cup' style draw as to who your opponent will be, you could be facing the World Champion in your first fight.

Sharon will be joined in Barbados by fellow boxers Nicola Adams (Flyweight), Amanda Coulson (Lightweight), Savannah Marshall (Welterweight) and Chantelle Cameron (Light Welterweight), who are all hoping for medal success.