Swedish featherweight professional boxer Lucy Wildheart has, so far, had a thrilling career in the squared circle amassing a record of 7 wins with just one loss, having fought in several countries including Poland, Ghana, France, England and Sweden.
The 28-year-old has resided in Brentwood for four years now and CommunityAd caught up with Lucy Wildheart where we discussed how the past 16 months have been for her, the most memorable moments in her career so far and the future goals she has in the sport…
What are your earliest memories of boxing and when did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in the sport?
The day I walked into a tiny and dirty boxing gym near where I lived, 8 years ago in Sweden, was the day I decided I wanted to become a World Champion. Sweat was dripping down all my body, I was exhausted and I loved it. At the same time, I realised this might be the biggest task I can pursue in my life and something meaningful that I will be able to look back at when I get old. I went back to the gym the day after. Not one single day has gone past that I have lost this goal and the competitive mindset keeps growing deeper inside me every day.
Who were your role models growing up?
I started karate training very young. My trainer was an old man of a special kind. He had an aura and energy around him that made everyone in the room listen when he spoke. I respected him with all I was worth. He was structured, driven, motivated, physically strong and had a mindset of steel. I wanted to be like him. He looked after me as well. He knew I had problems with my temper and that I was special, so he always made sure I worked beyond my limits, and taught me about life.
To readers who may not have seen you box, how would you describe your style?
I would say I adapt, I am dynamic in style, depending on the fight I will press forwards with heavy hands, counter or keep tidy and technical.
Most commonly people talk about my high tempo or tempo changes, I can go through many gears and few can keep up.
I haven’t always been super technical, my trainer Samm Mullins at Churchill’s Boxing Gym has helped mature my game.
What would you say has been your most memorable moment so far in your boxing career (amateur and pro)?
Samm and I went to Ghana, Africa in March earlier this year for a contest. Two weeks in advance we flew out to acclimatize to the extreme heat of 35C. We trained outdoors some days and went to many boxing gyms, all completely different to what I was used to. The bags felt like they were made of concrete and the ring ropes were old and loose. My trainer Samm and I were sparring, he went and leant on the ropes which completely gave way very nearly sending him to the floor from the ring. I was shocked to death, I thought he was going to fall down and break his neck.
The fight was hosted in a car wash, yes, a car wash and it was brilliant!
The Ghanaian people from the streets all climbed up and were hanging on the surrounding fence. The promoter had invited the rich and famous including politicians and sporting committee members to sit ringside. Boxing legend Azumah ‘The Professor’ Nelson came to watch the show. We spoke before and after the fight and he gave me advice when congratulating me afterwards saying, “You should have done more uppercuts”. I was thrilled.
I won the fight by tidy boxing following the game plan. It was a great performance considering the tough circumstances.
You have boxed all over the world in various countries, what would you say has been your favourite venue to box in and if you could choose 3 dream locations to fight in, where would they be?
Unusually, my favourite so far is the car wash/park. There is something special about performing when the situation is different or unique, the win feels better this way. I have fought in a theatre previously; it was good because I could see the whole crowd in one direction.
My dream locations would be Japan, as I’ve loved it since my Karate days; America, on a massive card to be watched globally; and my hometown Växjö.
How difficult has the past 16 months been trying to motivate yourself to keep training during the pandemic?
My biggest struggle has been to balance rest days. Throughout lockdown I was putting up crazy tough workouts for myself (and my partner) in the garden, almost to the point it was hard to finish them.
I am more motivated than I have ever been before because in the middle of the lockdown when things began to drag, I made a decision to change trainer. It turned out to be a fantastic choice for many reasons. However, I think it helped me through the lockdown because I have gained a new energy and excitement for my training which made for a fun past year.