Vicky Wilkinson is planning to kick-start a short and sweet pro career with her second contest since turning over.
She features on BCB Promotions’ next show in Wolverhampton, at the Hangar Events Venue (Pearson Street), on the Sunday afternoon of December 12.
Wilkinson only made her paid debut in October, at the age of 38, but is determined to cram as much into the next two years as possible.
She has significant amateur experience, having twice won national titles in the England Development Championships, in the under-10 bouts and over-10 sections respectively.
The lightweight division is her home in the pro ranks, where she overcame a scare to beat left-hander Beccy Ferguson, prevailing through a 39-37 points decision after four rounds.
In her corner was Tony Marshall, who followed her into the pro code after coaching her, as an amateur, at Darlaston Boxing Club. She’s also represented the Lions gym, in Dudley.
The former kickboxer, who lives in Wombourne, drifted in and out of boxing during her amateur career, finishing with 16 victories from 22 bouts.
She works for the military, too, and is a recruiter based at the Fallings Park Army Reserve Centre, which ties in nicely with her sporting aspirations.
With the hard work that’s being put in, Wilkinson is regimented with her thought processes on how her pro run could pan out, but is adamant there is a time-frame for success.
She said: “I started boxing in 2012, but I had a couple of years out from 2016 and came back during 2018, so I was 29 at first.
“I did kickboxing for 10 years, before that, at British Sports Martial Arts (in Brierley Hill), which helped me to control my aggression and channel my anger, when I was young.
“As for boxing, I was at Lions, initially, but when I took it up again, I wanted something new and felt that Tony (Marshall, coach) would get the best out of me.
“After I won my second national title, the only thing that was really left for me to do, at my age, was to turn pro and see what I could do there.
“Tony has come into this with me and, without that, I probably wouldn’t be doing it. We both feel that there are opportunities out there.
“I got the win on my debut, but I don’t think it was a great performance from me, if I’m being honest. I lost the second round and I’m disappointed with that.
“I was caught, by a clean hook, and she’s a strong girl, along with being an awkward southpaw, but it was a mistake from me. My guard was down and I didn’t move.
“I picked up the pace and kept pushing on, in the last two rounds, which made it comfortable for me from then on. Now I just want more fights.
“I need to make myself known and the clock is ticking. I’m only planning to have a short pro career, perhaps until I’m 40, but chances can come along quickly for female lightweights.”
Tickets for the Hangar bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
