Why boxer Amy Greatorex deserves everyone's respect
Amy Greatorex’s latest bout saw her come up against unbeaten prospect Laylie Heath who is 20 years her junior
She may not have the best record when it comes to wins and losses.
And she is twice the age of the last opponent to beat her.
But Amy Greatorex should be viewed as an inspiration to all boxers - that's the view of seasoned Sheffield coach Steve Dakin.
He says her commitment to the sport is second to none and her sportsmanship is unrivalled.
Amy, 40, was stopped in the second round in her last fight, by 20-year-old unbeaten prospect Laylie Heath.
Greatorex had moved up 10 pounds to take her place on the Queensberry card in Sunderland as a super lightweight.
The defeat meant the Chesterfield fighter, who trains out of Riley's Gym in Hillsborough, was left with a professional record of two wins and 13 defeats.
But you didn't find her complaining after the loss, in the North East.
The bout: "Didn’t go quite how I’d hoped, with the referee stopping the fight in the second round" she wrote online.
"It’s never easy to write a post after a loss, but it’s part of boxing and it’s something you have to accept.
"I took this fight at a higher weight than I’m used to, and in the final week I actually had to increase my food intake quite a bit because my weight just kept dropping!"
She also praised Laylie for her technique, adding: "I have to take my hat off to her. She was very good at what she did, and I genuinely think she’s one to watch. Congratulations to her and her team.
"Being in the away corner is always a tough place to be.
"You often feel like the decision is against you before you’ve even stepped through the ropes.
"But on this occasion, I have to agree with the referee’s decision. No complaints from me."
Amy, remained optimistic about her future in the sport, adding: "No matter the result, I’m still proud of myself for stepping in the ring every single time. Fighting women much younger than me (this time half my age) and I’d like to think I often give an entertaining fight regardless. Smiling even in defeat."
Dakin, a trainer at Riley's Gym, said her remarks were typical of Greatorex, who is also a personal trainer.
"No one could ever fault her attitude and her training - her dedication is second to none.
"She is always very sportsmanlike and humble, she is never a diva, she just rocks up with no entourage and gets on with it.
"Others can get a bee in their bonnet if things are not going their way but not Amy.
"At 40 years old she just wants to keep going, I believe she is the consummate professional."