Sheffield City women fighters dominate amateur ranks
Sheffield City Boxing Club is considering staging an all-female amateur show in the New Year after a standout season for its women fighters.
Founder and head coach Brendan Warburton says the club’s growing number of successful female boxers has made the idea a realistic one, following a year of strong performances in national and international competition.
Warburton said his “girls squad is something else”, with the past year underlining just how strong the set-up has become.
The Nether Edge-Sharrow gym now has 15 female boxers actively competing, a figure far higher than most other clubs in the city and beyond.
“There’s enough to put on an all-female show, which I’m going to explore,” he said.
“I am not sure it’s been done before where all the girls in the 'red corner' come from one club.”
There has been no shortage of highlights, with the most obvious being the achievements of Emily Asquith.
The 22-year-old overcame a near two-year injury absence to be crowned National Amateur senior champion at light heavyweight earlier this year.
Asquith went on to collect a silver medal representing England in September, all while studying sports science at Sheffield Hallam University and working as a teaching assistant.
The Netherthorpe boxer is now setting her sights on more domestic success.
Emily is “concentrating on retaining her title in the National Amateur Championships (NAC) in April,” said her coach.
She could be joined in the NACs by clubmates Carmel Carey and Holly Steward.
“Carmel has had a good year with wins in Belfast and Liverpool and will be looking to improve on the bronze medal she won in the nationals in April,” said Warburton.
“Holly picked up a silver medal in the national development finals and will look to build on that experience.”
Another England representative, Chloe Dunn, boxed against Wales in July, although she is currently taking time away from the sport to focus on her studies.
Two more Sheffield City boxers are set for action early in the new year at youth level.
“Two girls who did well in the development championships will both be in action in the youth championships in January,” Warburton added.
“Maryann Price won the national title in Kettering and is an exciting prospect with seven wins from eight bouts.
“Shakira Doherty lost out on a split decision in her national final. That was her first defeat in four bouts but it was very close and both girls have been working hard in the gym.”
With strength in depth across senior and youth levels, Sheffield City’s women look set to remain a major force in the amateur ranks in 2026.