“My opponent was a 4-time National Champion. I thought I didn’t stand a chance. But I kept my beliefs and I remembered who I was fighting for. That was my family.”
Hear that cheer? South & City College Birmingham student Walla won her category at the Celtic Box Cup, at just 19 years old. The Cup played out over four action-packed days in Dungarvan, Republic of Ireland.
Win or lose, we would have been proud of Walla’s grit and determination. Let’s hear from the champ!
“I’m Walla Ali, I’m 19 years old and I’m the Irish Boxing Champion (Female Youth 48kg).
I started boxing when I had just turned 18, and I’m two years strong.
I’m studying Level 3 Music Performance BTEC at Digbeth as a drummer, and I love the people here! It’s a lot of good vibes here, and I’ve got some great friends. The teachers here are lovely, staff as well.
I won the Irish Boxing Champion title by putting my all in it, all the hard work and training. It all just paid off.
My opponent was a 4-time National Champion. I thought I didn’t stand a chance.
But I kept my beliefs and I remembered who I was fighting for. That was my family.
My big brother was a boxer before me. When he ruined his career, I started doing it for him. Then I ended up falling in love with the sport itself and I started saying ‘You know what? I’m doing this for me now’.
Part of it’s still for him! Every time I step in the ring I’m still saying to myself that it’s for him, but I’m also doing it for me now.
Boxing taught me a lot: discipline, showing respect, how to fight, self-defence. It helps with your mental health as well.
In the beginning I didn’t really like it, but now I love it! I love fighting in the ring, and it keeps me off the streets.
Boxing is good for women as well. Woman should start taking up boxing because it’s good to have self-defence, and for mental health and that. Your mind’s off everything when you’re boxing. It helps with your body too.
What’s next? I promised myself that one day I’m going to be a World Champion, and I still hold that strong.
I’ve got another fight on the 23rd of October, hopefully I come back with a W again. Then the Nationals, and then the Olympics one day, hopefully!”
