Boxing News spends Sixty Seconds with Sam Lightfoot, who makes her professional debut next month. After soaking up the sights and sounds of the amateur circuit, Samantha goes in with grizzled journeywoman Kira Carter as the first step along the professional pathway begins.
Age: 22
Nationality: British
From: Sheffield
Record:
Amateur record 15-15
Professional record 0-0
Trained by:
Roger Sampson and Gary Wilson
Next fight:
Professional debut 13th June at Magna Centre in Rotherham.
When and why did you start boxing:
I started boxing at the age of 14. I found out about the local boxing gym and thought I’d give it a go, which is ironic really because I thought boxing was boring when I trained in other martial arts, but now I can’t get enough of it.
Favourite all-time fighter and why:
Sugar Ray Leonard. The way he moved, his footwork, his speed and power. I’d like to say I sort of have put a lot of his style within mine.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’m into old-time boxing, and the trilogy between Gatti and Ward was phenomenal. Pure grit and heart in all three fights.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Winter Box Cup gold medal. I trained immensely hard for those two fights that weekend, and the months leading up to that weren’t easy at home, but I came out on top.
Toughest opponent:
The recently crowned National amateur champion, Beth Walsh. We had four fights together in the space of a year, and it was real back-and-forth in all four of those fights. I had to dig really deep in those fights.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
The best would be how well I can adapt to whoever is in front of me, whether that’s in sparring or in a fight. Worst, I don’t give myself enough credit. I am my own worst critic when it comes to my performance in the ring.
Training tip:
You have to be fit. Put your all into training so when it comes to fight night, you know you’ve put that work in, and it’s yours for the taking.
Best friends in boxing:
I’d have to say my team at Manor Boxing Academy. They’ve taken me in and treated me like family in such a short time since I’ve been there.
What’s the attraction of boxing:
The adrenaline rush of fighting, definitely. There’s no other feeling like it. Also, the art of boxing.
Where would you be without boxing:
I have no clue. I’d like to think maybe a veterinarian or any kind of job working with animals.
What has boxing given you:
Everything. It boosted my confidence and made me a better person. It made me healthier and more disciplined. It definitely got me through school. It gave me a purpose in life and a dream to chase.
Who inspires you the most and why:
My mum. She’s amazing. She shows just how strong I can be. The things she’s gone through and still been able to get through life with a smile on her face. I’m doing this all for her to make her proud.
What one thing would you change to make the sport better:
Boxing can be quite a corrupt sport. I just want to see fair decisions and no robberies.
Best advice received:
You either find a way or you’ll find an excuse. No one is going to do this for you. If you want to make it happen, you’ll find a way.
First-ever boxing memory:
My first ever boxing memory was watching the Rocky movies as a kid. I believe that’s where the pure dedication and determination I have now stemmed from.
Something not many people know about you:
I love Disney. I absolutely love it. I need another trip to Disneyland real soon.
