Boxing club’s Scarlett, 15 is its first national champ

Knockout performance: Scarlett and coaches celebrate her national title (Credit: EBC)

A schoolgirl boxing sensation has clinched featherweight glory as the first national champion of an Erewash fight academy that was launched to get youngsters active and socialising again after the pandemic lockdowns.

Scarlett Wilson brought home gold from England Boxing’s youth championships. Just days before the 15-year-old’s triumph she and her Ilkeston coaches had been honoured by the borough’s mayor at a town hall meeting.

Scarlett and fellow young boxer Dakri Rose were summoned to the front of the chamber to be presented with certificates. The awards recognised the achievements of the pair after they shared Boxer of the Year honours at Ilkeston Community Boxing Club.

Proud coaches Rob Wilson and Lee Cumberland accompanied them to Long Eaton Town Hall and were also saluted by Mayor Cllr Greg Maskalick, who told them their booming club had become an “amazing community asset that teaches discipline through commitment, practice and self-control.”

He explained to councillors who had packed the full meeting of the borough council: “They teach resilience through learning – that setbacks are opportunities to learn and try again. And they teach them respect by treating others fairly through sportsmanship whether you win or lose.”

Barely a week later Scarlett was crowned female junior champion at Kettering’s Arena Sports centre. She had been competing in England Boxing’s National Development Championships – where she won the Female Junior A category for fighters weighing 55kg to 57kg.

Her jubilant club, which is based at a gym in Critchley Street, immediately posted on its Facebook page: “Wilson takes national title.”

The message described her as being “on another level” – adding: “She has got exactly what she deserves!!! She has been consistent since she started boxing, some ups and downs, but ultimately everything prior to today has led to this moment.

“Scarlett Wilson – Ilkeston Community Boxing Club’s first national champion! We couldn’t be prouder.”

The teenager lives in Ilkeston’s Hallam Fields and is a pupil at Kirk Hallam school. She said ahead of making a trip to Birmingham on Sunday (8th November) to be formally presented with a coveted belt for her big win: “It will be such an honour. I can’t thank Rob and Lee enough for all their coaching.”

Cllr Josy Hare, who is Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The thriving Ilkeston Community Boxing Club was launched after the pandemic lockdowns and has gone from strength to strength by welcoming participants from Ilkeston, Long Eaton and across the borough regardless of background, gender or ability.

“The borough council has backed it with funding from its community grants initiative – and is thrilled to see it now boast its first national champion. Our heartfelt congratulations go to Scarlett.”