In conversation with Karriss Artingstall

bet365 News Team Updated: 13 Oct 22 11:17 Published: 28 Sep 22 12:02

Elite amateur and the British Army Sportswoman of the year Karriss Artingstall sits down with bet365 ahead of the heavy-handed featherweight making her pro debut on the BOXXER platform this Saturday in Coventry.

Karriss' interview with bet365's Alex Olds to discuss her upcoming professional debut.

AO: How did it feel watching Lauren make her pro debut?

KA: Yeah, it was good… it was exciting. I am glad she went to go first so I could have a little look and see what it was all about because it is all new to us. I’m over the moon… she loved every minute of it as well, she loved the ring walk and all the little things that come with it. It was nice to watch her do the business and get the win.

AO: I thought she was unbelievable, great footwork... How impressed were you with the performance?

KA: Really impressed. I train with her day in, day out so I know exactly what she is capable of doing. She has had an amazing camp, it has been a long camp, very long to be fair… We have been in camp since January so it was very long. But as people were asking me prior to her walking in, what do you expect to see from her?

I know she has glistening hand speed and her footwork is phenomenal. It wasn’t a shock to me to see how well she boxed. I am really chuffed.

AO: Does being so close with her throughout that experience kind of settle the nerves ahead of the 25th?

KA: Yeah, a little bit. It is just about getting used to the little things we haven’t before experienced like the ring walk, the press conference and the weigh-in… Just the little things like that. Obviously when I get in the ring to fight that is not news to me, that is what I was born to do, that is what I do day in day out. Once the first bell goes I will be sound.

It is just like I said, getting my head around the little things like the ring walk and the weigh-in or the media on fight week and all that kind of stuff. It is a lot busier that the amateurs so it is just about adapting to those little things.

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AO: I know you have been on camp for a long time, how has it been? Any injuries?

KA: No, I feel good. We have been in camp since January which is a very long time. I’m eager to get in the ring now and get the job done. No injuries, just the usual muscle soreness at the end of each week but that is nothing new. It’s been a really good camp, great preparation amongst the best team in the world.

AO: I have been speaking to Ben a fair bit recently and he keeps telling me about your power, how heavy handed you are… How heavy handed do you think you will be at featherweight?

KA: I believe I packed a punch even in the amateurs with the head guards and the 10oz gloves. I have stopped a few fights and I gave a fair few standing counts, in the majority of tournaments I went to I was doing it… I know I can dig a bit, but I want to look classy whilst doing it.

I don’t want to go in there and try taking her head off and smother my work. The shots will come naturally. I need to pick my shots and people’s necks will be getting snapped back that’s for sure. I am here to make a statement - I know I’ve got power.

AO: You are the first female boxer from the British Army to compete in the Olympics, you won a bronze medal in Tokyo… British Army Sportswoman of the Year... The last year has been pretty special for you. How do you reflect on it ahead of the next chapter?

KA: It’s been quality. Coming off the back of the Olympics we have seen some accolades from the Army which is a massive achievement. I have been in the Army for 8 years and it is something I am very proud of. I left the Army about a month ago now so to leave the Army with winning sportswoman of the year is phenomenal. It is something I am very, very proud of.

AO: You should be proud. It’s time for our ‘360 Fighter’… the female version. When I throw an attribute at you, I want you to tell me your #1 female, past or present…

Chin:

KA: Sandy Ryan has got a bit of good Chin on her. She got caught with a good few shots in the last fight.

AO: Footwork?

KA: Lauren.

AO: Speed?

KA: Lauren.

AO: Heart?

KA: Delfine Persoon.

AO: Power?

KA: Either Amanda Serrano or Savannah Marshall.