Paige Goodyear reckons that her quality will shine through as her journey into the pro ranks gathers pace.
She’s set for action at the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, when BCB Promotions host a Sunday show there later this month (July 30).
The 22-year-old, who is from Sedgley in Dudley, has already reeled off three pro victories, completing six rounds, for the first time, in her previous outing.
She contested a rematch with Ester Konecna, getting the better of her Czech adversary over the longer distance, adding to a four-round points success last year.
The two first went toe-to-toe in November, with Goodyear a clear points winner, even after Konecna had claimed a session. The final score was 39-37, at the final bell.
Their return took place last month, which ended an eight-month spell on the sidelines for ‘the Hammer,’ with Konecna again in the other corner.
There were two rounds between the two, when it finished. Goodyear’s hand was raised, through a 58-56 verdict, adding to her 39-38 debut result over Linda Karen Ascencio.
Her pro career has been led by her former amateur trainer, ex-pro Darren McDermott, and current head coach Steve O’Rourke, who still operates Wodensborough Boxing Club.
It was for McDermott’s Brooklands gym, in Woodsetton, that Goodyear rose to prominence, after taking up boxing as a child. Her amateur record stands at 25 wins from 32 bouts.
She took bronze at the 2018 Youth World Championships and captained the England team, while also reaching the quarter-finals, at that year’s European Youth tournament.
Since becoming an adult, Goodyear is currently employed as an HR assistant for the GMS Group, who are also the main sponsors of her boxing aspirations, too.
She said: “I’ve put in technical work, during my training camp, and had great spars with Omarah (Taylor, amateur for GB Boxing). She’s been my main sparring partner for this one.
“Omarah is a tough girl, who is experienced and at the weight above me, so she’s game and that brings the best out of me. We sparred, a couple of times, in my previous camp.
“This is my second fight with Steve (O’Rourke) as head coach. We’ve got a good relationship. I put 100 per cent in and he does the same.
“Macca (Darren McDermott) has had to take a bit of a step back, as he’s working away a lot, but he’s still involved. I’m happy with the team that I have around me.
“I’m looking to go 4-0 and I want this to be my last six-rounder. Hopefully, I can go up to eight rounds from there, but it’s still about getting more experience.
“I’m probably the youngest in my division (aged 22, welterweight), but I know the skill-set that I’ve got, from my amateur career. I’m gradually bringing that into the pro game.
“I was pleased to get out again, last month, and I’d waited for a while to box. One fell through, in December, because the other girl couldn’t get a Visa in time.
“Then I had a problem with my knee, so I couldn’t do another date in February, but I’m back up and running now. All that mattered, in the last performance, was a win and the rounds.
“I’d obviously fought the girl before, so I knew that I would be in control. It was always the game-plan to use my footwork, box on the back-foot and let her attack.
“Everyone knows that I’m a tough cookie that likes to come forward, so it was important to work on the defensive side of my game. I made it closer than it needed to be.
“My goal is to become a world champion through the traditional route, by winning English and British titles first. When I get there, I want to have the best fighting chance.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
