'All or nothing' - Kirstie Bavington targeting glory as she makes long-awaited boxing return

The 33-year-old fights for the first time in nearly 17 months when she faces Bolton’s Linzi Buczynskyj at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on Saturday night.

Bavington has not boxed since beating Marine Beauchamp in France to reclaim her European welterweight title in October, 2024.

But after the most frustrating period of her career, she is back and - she claims - better than ever following a year which saw her change coaches and leave her full-time job as a PE teacher at Sedgley’s Beacon Hill Academy.

Bavington told the Express & Star: “I’m focused full-time on boxing. It is all or nothing now, really.”

The former Wolves Women footballer had big plans after beating Beauchamp in impressive style to become a two-time European champion.

But she suffered frustration when a high-profile bout against Olympic bronze medallist Cindy Ngamba at the Royal Albert Hall last March was called-off at the 11th hour when her opponent failed a medical.

“It was the night before the weigh-in and I got a call around 9pm, asking me to attend a meeting at the hotel,” she says.

“I was told Cindy had failed her medical and could not box. That was it. It was a nightmare.”

Frustrated at a lack of progress following that disappointment, Bavington made several big decisions, which included finding a new manager and coach while also quitting full-time work. Just to make life more hectic, she also bought a house.

Now training in Coventry under the guidance of Owen Delargy, having previously been based at BCB Promotions in Wednesbury, Bavington is managed by Alfie Warren, nephew of legendary promoter Frank.

“There has been a lot going on,” says Bavington. “I knew I needed to make a change.

“I stopped teaching full-time last October. I want to give boxing my all and see what happens.

“Fitness has never been a problem for me, it was always the technique but I never felt anyone was putting in the time with me.

“Owen has changed me as a fighter. I have come down to lightweight. My training is different, more intense.

“Technically, I am different. I am looking at the shots, thinking more, not just rushing in. 

“I am not just brawling forward. I am more intense, in bursts. I am looking for some knockouts. 

“I have improved 100 per cent. I feel like now people are going to see a different side to me.”

Bavington has already packed plenty into her 16-bout professional career, which included taking on Olympic champion Lauren Price in the first-ever women’s British title fight.

But a world title and the chance to be a full-time athlete is what she has always craved. Talks over a possible tilt at the IBO lightweight belt later this year are ongoing.

“I have always believed it will work out,” says Bavington, who is continuing to work as a supply teacher at Beacon Hill and was recently visited by Dudley MP, Sonia Kumar, at the school. 

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” she continued. “I believe in good karma and I believe I was doing the right things. 

“You have to take the risk, or there is no reward. I know I am going to make it and fulfil my dream of being a full-time athlete.”