If you’ve ever spent your morning commute daydreaming about starting afresh with your career, this feature is for you. Each Monday, we speak to someone from a different profession to discover what it’s really like. This week, we chat to England boxer and three-time national amateur heavyweight champion Grace Buckle…
As an amateur, I earn very little money… but I have a Hurricane sponsorship as well as support from England Boxing and Sting Sports. The amount really can vary depending on many factors, such as the calibre of the athlete and if they have aspirations to go to the Olympics. Their online presence and following will also make a difference. For amateur boxers with minimal virtual presence, it’s usually anywhere between £500 and £2,000 a year (or the equivalent in gear/travel support) from smaller brands. I also work as a British Sign Language interpreter to maintain my daily living expenses.
My dream is to become a world champion… I recently competed at the worlds and although I did not get a medal, this has been my biggest achievement so far.
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Usually I train five or six days a week… and some days require double sessions. I’d hazard I train for 18 to 20 hours a week. When I prepare for a fight, I like to have a sturdy breakfast and refuel throughout the day. I like to listen to music. One thing I want to practise more is mindfulness and breath work as I feel this will help with fight nerves. I don’t have any rituals as such, but I like to warm up, shadow box and work the pads beforehand.
Boxing is starting to highlight female competitors a lot more… which is only a positive for women like me. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano have been flying the flag for women’s boxing and it is gaining traction. I remember attending the Shields v Marshall fight in 2022, which was stacked with female boxers and the same can be said for the women’s only card for the Jonas v Price fight at Royal Albert Hall, which I also attended. We are starting to see a shift in interest towards female boxers, and hopefully it will only get stronger and stronger.
After a bout, I tend to take a couple of weeks off before returning to training… It’s an opportunity to get some downtime, rest and recover. Massages and spa trips are often a go-to. A post-bout holiday is also something I try to factor in.
As a woman in a male-dominated sport… I have rarely felt discrimination in all the years I have boxed. I do recall, however, contacting a boxing gym to join their club and was rejected. Their excuse was “we don’t have a changing room for girls”. This was about 10 years ago now, so a lot has changed since then and it’s not something I have experienced since.
The biggest perks and freebies as an amateur are… the international competitions we go to, the countries we visit, the training gear and strips. I have also made some friends who have the same interests as me, so that can make training a little easier to bear and fosters a wholesome environment.
The biggest misconception of being an England boxer is… that I am paid to box.
I do plan to retire in five to six years… I’d like to finish the season strong and join the professional ranks. I have paid into a pension during employment, but not one I can access until state pension age – and I’m not sure it will be substantial enough in my old age! Once I have retired, I am hoping I will have made enough investments to slow down. I am keen to purchase more property and I’d like to own my gym one day.
My first fight was probably with my sister… we used to fight about everything. Who is going to sit in the front seat? What programme to watch? Nowadays, I only fight in the ring. It’s not worth it otherwise.
I am never afraid to fight an opponent… I may feel nerves, but that’s normal. You want to get in the ring and win. My only fear is losing, but the harder I train, the smaller the fear. Knowing how to punch is a good skill, but the ability to defend yourself is a must. Any fight discipline will encourage confidence and safety in yourself, whether it’s boxing, judo or jujitsu.
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Sacrifice is extreme but needed… if you want to be taken seriously. Sometimes you have to get up early and go for that run, miss that birthday party and lock in. I am not sure if this is considered extreme but consistency, obsession and discipline is what I have demonstrated over the years and have put me in position as one of the best in the sport.
Image is very important… and I am mindful of this, especially when you are representing your country. England Boxing is very big on reputation. However, I am human and will not always get it right. Being open to growth and learning is even more important to me. I can only be myself.
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There is a lot of camaraderie between boxers… whether they are men or women. Even boxers who hate each other’s guts somehow find the ability to demonstrate a mutual respect after they have gone hell for leather with each other.
But there is genuine hatred between some boxers… such as Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Some boxers trash-talk each other to build the fight. Sad to say, but controversy sells! As an amateur, I can’t say I personally hate anyone.
