Lillie Winch recorded the fifth win of her young boxing career at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road Stadium, writes Leon Sudbury

Lillie Winch lands a punch on her opponent at Portman Road on Saturday night (credit Leigh Dawney)

Enfield’s up-and-coming female featherweight continued the undefeated start to her career with a points win in front of 20,000 spectators in Suffolk on Saturday (7th).

Lillie Winch (5-0) defeated Katerina Dvorakova (3-7) via a six-round points decision. Referee Kieran McCann scored it 60-54.

The former Chace Community School pupil was boxing on the undercard at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium as part of a huge night, with home favourite Fabio Wardley knocking out Justis Huni to win the interim WBA heavyweight title in the main event.

Lillie, who is a Spurs fan, said afterwards: “It’s was an honour to box on the same card as Fabio Wardley, especially in his hometown – nights like this are what dreams are made of and one day I will hopefully do it at Tottenham Hotspurs!”

She continued: “Fighting on such a big event was special. I’m proud to have been a part of it and grateful to build my career on such a big stage.

“This fight was for you, my nan Queen Jean who I lost at the start of camp. I felt you with me every step of the way. I’m so grateful to my sponsors, fans, family and friends – your love and support means everything. Nights like this aren’t possible without you.”

Lillie, 22, has built up a loyal following of fans during her short career so far and they were in Ipswich again to cheer her on.

“The Winch Army were out in full force – you lot were unreal,” Lillie added. “Team Winch is growing stronger every fight, and we’re only just getting started.”

Lillie celebrates in the ring with her team after the fight (credit Leigh Dawney)

Lillie’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Born and raised in Enfield, she attended George Spicer Primary School and later Chace Community School. Her early years were marked by emotional struggles and difficulty managing her anger, challenges that intensified during her time in secondary school. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism in her teenage years, Lillie’s journey was far from straightforward.

Her years at Chace were turbulent, to say the least. Excluded from school 13 times, Lillie’s behavior was often misunderstood, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. “It was a dark time for her,” recalls her mother Sarah. “She struggled with her emotions, and her anger would often get the better of her.” Recognizing her daughter’s need for an outlet, her mother decided to take a proactive approach.

At the age of 15, a chance opportunity opened a new door. A friend introduced Lillie to a boxing gym, encouraging her to try boxing as a way to channel her anger. It was a suggestion that would prove life-changing. “I wanted her to find something positive, something that could help her focus and give her the discipline she needed,” her mother explains.

Lillie took to the sport immediately. Boxing became a lifeline, offering not just a physical outlet but also a mental one.

“It gave her a sense of purpose and control,” says her coach Marc Dennis. “She began to thrive, both in the ring and out of it.” While on a family holiday, a fortuitous invitation from her friend’s uncle to train at a professional boxing gym further cemented Lillie’s love for the sport. She trained tirelessly, improving rapidly and gaining confidence with each session.

Boxing did more than improve Lillie’s technique; it reshaped her outlook on life. The discipline, routine, and focus required in the sport became tools she used to manage her emotions and navigate the challenges of living with autism. “Boxing has turned my life around,” Lillie says. “It’s not just a sport for me; it’s a way of coping, of finding balance.”

Now in her early twenties, Lillie is a rising star in women’s boxing. Currently undefeated and tipped as the next big name in the sport, she is also a passionate advocate for autism awareness and mental health. She works tirelessly to promote understanding and support for young people facing similar challenges. “I want people to know that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way through,” she says.

Lillie’s favourite quote – “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” – perfectly encapsulates her journey. From a struggling teenager to an inspirational athlete, Lillie’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of sport. Today, she stands as a role model for others, proving that with determination and the right support, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

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