Katie ready to kick off a new career

Healy is targeting a May debut after teaming up with Wednesbury-based BCB promotions.

The Aston University graduate claimed three kickboxing titles at two different weights as a member of Trojan Martial Arts Academy in Brownhills, before leaving the sport in 2018 to concentrate on her studies.

Now she is ready to get back in the ring with the aim of following in the footsteps of long-time friend and now BCB colleague Rachel Ball, the interim WBA Super Bantamweight champion.

“It’s very inspiring (to see what Rachel has done), we started sparring when we were 15,” said Healy. “We are similar in how we fight, it’s really useful to have her advice on how to make things work in boxing.

“I’d like to think I could aspire to achieve the best I can, just like Rachel. I’m learning everything from scratch, it’s going well though and I’m excited to see how it’s going to come together.”

With women’s boxing growing in popularity, Healy is aiming for the very top.

She added: “I just love competing. I will put my all into it, I will put my everything into training and fights. I’m never half-hearted.”

Meanwhile, fellow Black Country fighter Ricky Summers is raring to go as he prepares for his first boxing bout for more than a year.

The 33-year-old last entered the ring in December 2019 when he stopped Raimonds Sniedze for his 17th professional victory.

The pandemic has forced ‘Digger’ to sit on the sidelines but after staying in training throughout he is feeling at the top of his game.

“It’s been frustrating,” said the Tipton fighter. “On the other hand though, I’m now with a new team at BCB and we’ve had more time to work together. My weight’s on point and my training is going well. You always get a bit tired at this stage of camp, but barring that, it’s been great. I’m raring to go and I’ve stayed in the gym since my last fight. A few offers have popped up in the last year. I was meant to fight Craig Richards before he fought Shakan Pitters. Craig had a shoulder injury which he recovered from and he went on to beat Shak. With the pandemic and stuff, nothing else has been going on.”

Now, Summers has been given his shot at the English light-heavyweight title.

He faces belt holder Dan Azeez on April 17 in Bolton, in a fight that also doubles up as a British title eliminator.

Summers fought for the British title in 2017 but lost a decision to Frank Buglioni and with now the English and British straps in sight the Black Country fighter has the drive to succeed.

“I am massively motivated to win against Azeez,” he added.

“You can’t afford to lose in boxing. When you lose in boxing, you’ll be knocked so far down the ladder.

“There’s pressure in every fight, but I’m going to be the best Ricky Summers and I’ll make the most of it.

“This is a must win fight for me and I will go out there and pull it off. We’ve got a good game plan. I’ve watched Azeez come up and he’s a good fighter. I’ve got the tools to beat him and I’ll prove that. It would mean the world to me. When I first set out as a boxer, my dream was to become the English champion.

“Fighting for the title now, I can achieve that dream.

“Obviously I came up short for the British title, but this fight with Azeez could open up the doors to big things.

“Beating an opponent in the top five in the country, it could put me up there.

“It’s a big fight for us both. If I win this, then I’m one fight away from my dream of becoming British champion.

“It’s every British fighter’s dream to become British champion.

“I’m ready to get the win and I’d like to thank my team at BCB and all my sponsors but in particular, I just want to say thank you to Nigel Porter.

“Nigel is one of my main sponsors and he has sponsored me through thick and thin.

“Nigel has always stuck by me and believed in me.”

The fight will be streamed live on Youtube on the IFL TV channel.