Lesley Sackey

Lesley Sackey is a female British boxer who is fast rising in the world of amateur boxing. She is one of only a handful of female boxers on the cards at the famous All Star Boxing Club in west London which is most famous for producing another sportsvibe friend Frank Bruno. She is Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) National Champion in the welterweight division and in 2008, won a Gold medal at the European Championships.

Lesley is a fighter with the world at her feet and her aim is to put her name firmly on the map by representing Great Britian at the London 2012 Olympics. Sportsvibe recently caught up with Lesley for a chat about everything from training, music, her favourite films and of course the London Olympics...........

1. How did you get into boxing?

I was interested in getting fit but didn't like the idea of going to the gym so a family friend recommended I try going to the local boxing gym for a workout. I started going to the keep fit boxing classes and the coach recommended I try amateur boxing and the rest is history!

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

Winning! Nothing beats the feeling of winning!

3. Who if you have one, is your biggest inpiration in your sport?

I think I have a lot of respect for many people in boxing for different reasons, I always like Carl Forch's heart, I think he has a lot of heart in fights which can often be the difference between winning and losing a fight. David Haye for managing himself and finally getting the recognition, Floyd Mayweather because he is a truly exceptional boxer and of course Muhammad Ali because of his skills and personality in and out of the ring, to name but a few! 

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

Yes I admire any athlete who takes their sport seriously because I realise the dedication and sacrifice that comes with competing at a high level.

5.Do you have any pre-bout rituals or superstitions?

I prefer to stay in the changing room until I have to box but that doesn't always happen if you are boxing in a tournament because you always want to see what is going on in the ring with your team mates.

6. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before a bout etc?

My training schedule involved me training up to 6 times a week in the boxing gym, for 2 hour sessions 4 times a week and the other 2 days is spent running, sprinting and maintaining weight, speed and stamina. Leading up to a bout the last week I would do less running and more skill work.

7. What is the most memorable moment in your career to date?

Winning a Gold medal in the European Championships in 2008. I boxed girls who had a lot more experience than me and I beat them. I was also told it was the first time  British boxer entered the tournament for the first time and won Gold.

8. What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

To win this years ABA's, get to the World Championships and be selected for the GB Squad.

9. Do you have a favourite fight/favourite performance in your career so far?

I have favourite moments from fights. But every fight I learn something, win or lose.

10. If you hadn't of been a boxer what would you have been?

An actress, or I would continue with my career in the music and events industry (business not performing!).

11. What will Lesley Sackey do after their sporting career is over?

Whatever I feel like at the time! I always like trying new things so I will see what opportunities arise and go from there.

12. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

All sorts, anything from Jay-Z to George Benson, Fela Kuti, Bashy, Kano always feature on my shuffle and house music always gets me going.

13. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

Try to relax which is hard. I go to see friends, hang out with my boyfriend and shop!

14. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

With the people I loved, eating lots of food!

15. What is your favourite film?

Breakfast at Tiffany's and Leon.

16. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Not yet!

17. What is the funniest thing you have read about yourself in the media?

Im just starting out so I haven't heard anything yet but im sure there's time!

18. Tell us a joke about your sport?

Not sure it's a joke but it's funny because a lot of people think all female boxers are butch looking but they actually aren't!

19. Being from London yourself, how big a deal is it that we are staging the 2012 Olympic Games?

It's a massive deal, not only would it be amazing to be in the first Olmpics for over 100 years that has female boxing included but the fact it's on home soil is reassuring and comforting to know you will get the support of the Londoners plus it will drive me harder to win because no-one likes to lose on home soil! 

20. This will be the first time female boxing will be a part of the Games, how good is that for female boxing as a sport?

It's great for the sport, it creates awareness to everyone - young people who might want to get involved to people of all generations who didn't even know much about about female boxers and how good we actually are.

21. Do you think this move by the IOC could lead to female boxing being as big as men's boxing?

Hopefully it will raise awareness and be considered as good as men's boxing.

22. Could this open the floodgates for female sports at the Olympic Games, as men still compete for 38 more medals than the women.

I'm not sure what the outcome will be but it's nice to know we have the opportunity at 2012.

23. What can people who have never watched female boxing expect at the 2012 Olympics?

Females who are skilled and focused, that have the ability to win medals!