Local boxer to compete for Commonwealth title

A local boxer is preparing to fight for the Commonwealth bantamweight title in London this month.

Megan Redstall, who trains at The Contender Gym in Melksham, is set to face Laura Pain at York Hall on Sunday 30th November.

“I’m excited and nervous,” said Megan. “Any boxer who says they’re not nervous is lying. It’s going to be very exciting; it’s got lots of people talking, which is good.

“She’s going to be my toughest opponent yet. We’re both unbeaten, and we’re both trying to win.”

“Hopefully this is the fight that can be that break for me,” she said.

The fight comes after Megan was due to contend for the Super Flyweight Commonwealth title last year, but her opponent’s illness meant the fight was cancelled.

“It was meant to be postponed and then she couldn’t make any of the rematch dates, so the fight just got called off,” said Megan.

“People get ill; it does happen. It was gutting, especially with it being such a big opportunity, but this one, thankfully, is an even bigger opportunity.”

For the last eight weeks, Megan has been working with world-class athletes as part of her camp.

“I’m sparring with a former world champion – you can’t get much more experienced than that,” she said.

“I’m doing a lot of training with a guy called Joe Hughes in Bristol, who is a former European champion and has been able to add so much skill to my boxing.

“It’s been a great camp; everything’s been ticking along nicely.”

With the fight against Laura Pain approaching, Megan added, “She’s a lot shorter, so I expect she’s going to be quite aggressive. I’ll need to work with the boxing skills I’ve been developing and hopefully take home that belt – that’s the plan!”

Megan works as a paramedic alongside her boxing and has had to fit in training twice a day, every day, around her job. She hopes that winning this fight could open up the opportunity to become a full-time boxer.