“I don’t want easy fights.”
So says Georgia O’Connor, who appears to have got her wish for her third professional fight this weekend.
The unbeaten Durham talent has been matched with Belgian champion Joyce van Ee on the undercard of the Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall mega fight at the 02 in London.
How great is it to see two legends battling it out in the headline event and two ambitious new professionals brave enough to put their own 0 on the line so early in their careers.
“I can’t wait to fight,” O’Connor told punch-lines.
“I’m boxing the undefeated Belgian champion so it’s going to be a tough fight but that’s how I like it.
“I don’t want easy fights – I don’t want things to be all my own way.
“I believe I can be a multi-weight world champion and if I’m going to do the then I have to take challenges early on.”
One great thing going for the Mark Clauzel boxer is not afraid of losing, not that that’s her intention.
Having enjoyed a glittering career as a junior and amateur, including multiple titles, a serious illness threatened not just her career but her life itself.
That near miss has given Georgia a new perspective on life but also sharpened her focus on her career, taking on tricky assignments in order to move forward towards title fights.
“I’m here to give it a go – I’ve overcome adversity in life already, being ill and stuff,” said the 22-year-old.
“If I lose, and that’s not the plan, I think I can bounce back.
“But my plan is to win, keep winning and make a name for myself.”
Van Ee arrives in the capital with two wins and a draw to her name, one of her victories coming via stoppage.
“She’s a tough, come-forward fighter but I believe that will play into my hands and I’ll showcase my skills and get the win,” added Georgia, who is boxing for the first time since April, when she impressed in a six-round points success over game Argentinian Erica Alvarez.
“I broke her nose in the second round and she told me that I’m the hardest hitter she’s been in with.
“Everyone knows how hard Argentinian fighters are so for one to be saying that gives me great confidence.”
O’Connor expects to be at her lightest yet, around 10st 10lbs, though says her coming down in weight won’t diminish her strength.
“I’ve still got my big shoulders and big legs,” she smiled.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
