UK title for boxer Paige

UK title for boxer Paige

18 December 2024

CHRISTMAS certainly is the most wonderful time of the year for Dromara boxer Paige Nickels.

The talented teenager has made history by becoming the first female boxer from Northern Ireland to win a UK title.

Fifteen year-old Paige travelled to Bridlington in Yorkshire recently for the UK Championships

Fighting in the Category A 54kg division, she took on the highly rated English champion, Ellie Spencer, in the final.

Spencer was previously undefeated, but Paige dominated her over three tough rounds to be declared the winner on a unanimous decision bu the judges.

Paige fights out of Banbridge Boxing Club and she was accompanied to England by her father and coach Daniel, as well as the club’s head coach, Jason McKay. 

Page has been boxing since she was nine and has now added the UK Championship to her collection of five All-Ireland titles.

There is no doubting her talent and while Daniel admits he was apprehensive to let her fight at first, her natural ability soon came to the fore.

“After seeing her younger brother start boxing, Paige was adamant she would be getting involved,” her dad said.

“Although I initially said she could train but not fight, Jason spotted her potential in training sessions and since then there has been no stopping her.

“She may be a quiet girl from a sleepy village, but she’s a demon in the ring and a trailblazer for women’s boxing in Northern Ireland.”

Talent is one thing, but it takes a great deal of focus and dedication to put it into practice and Daniel knows his daughter has those traits in abundance.

“Paige trains for 20 hours a week and has four sessions at the club with Jason. However, I think she stands above many other female boxers because of her extra effort,” he said.

“She is always taking on extra cardio and strength and conditioning, getting up at 5am for additional training.”

The hard work has certainly paid off and while it was just another day in the office for Paige, Daniel highlighted the impact her success can have on the club and the sport as a whole.

He said: “It’s a massive achievement for the club. Many local clubs, including ourselves, are lucky to have one child a year competing at Irish level, but we now have a fighter who holds dual UK and Ireland titles.”

“Paige is known by other female boxers in her age group around Europe and the effects have been huge. We’ve gone from two females to 17 at the club and I think they all want what Paige has experienced.”

Triumph in the UK Championships may be inspiring for other young female boxers, but Paige is not stopping there and has her eyes on further glory.

“She will likely focus on the All-Ireland next and will look to defend her title, but we’re really aiming for the Golden Girl Championships in Sweden in February, which she has won before,” Daniel said.

“Her dream is to turn professional when she reaches her 20s. She’s already been asked about the Olympics and she is open to that, but won’t let it stand in the way of turning pro.”