The Derbyshire-based boxer recently sat down with Boxing News to talk about the fights that got her blood pumping and her passion for heavy metal music.
Sixty-Seconds with Amy Greatorex
Age: 38
Twitter: @AmyGreatorex
Instagram: amygreatorex
Nationality: British
From: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 1-11
Next fight: Watch this space
Interview
When and why did you start boxing:
I started about eight years ago, initially for fitness reasons. It was something I had always wanted to do, but I lacked the confidence and felt too overweight to even enter a gym back then. I began attending a fitness class at my local gym, which was kickboxing-focused but mainly involved boxing, and I discovered how much I enjoyed it.
That led me to find a gym specifically for boxing. Later, I moved to an amateur gym and got my boxing license just before turning 30. I really wish I had started sooner, but it wasn`t really an option when I was younger, especially for girls in my area.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I recall watching legends like Frank Bruno, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Prince Naseem Hamed. However, I always find myself going back to Lomachenko; I think his technique is simply brilliant! There are also so many female boxers I admire. They`ve all played a part in creating opportunities for people like me, which I find incredible.
Best fight you’ve seen:
That’s a tough one. But the fight that truly got my heart racing was George Groves versus Chris Eubank Jr. I actually lost my voice for a while after watching it at home!
Personal career highlight:
Competing as an amateur in the Golden Girls Championships in Sweden was an amazing experience. When I started so late in the sport, I never imagined I`d get opportunities like that. My first win away from home against a WBC champion and fighting for the Midlands Area title also stand out, proving to those who doubted me what I am capable of. But honestly, my entire professional journey so far feels like a highlight, from the support I received for my debut right up to now. It all feels like a dream every single day. The best is definitely still ahead.
Toughest opponent:
Vaida Masiokaite. That was a seriously tough debut, especially after all the drama leading up to it. I think I was a bit overwhelmed, but she was strong and incredibly experienced! I feel she doesn`t get the recognition she truly deserves often enough.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are probably my fitness level and my determination, along with my drive to improve myself constantly. On the negative side, I`d say I`m a perfectionist… and I don`t mind taking a punch.
Training tip:
Make sure you put in absolutely all the effort you can, because you only get back what you invest. Take every possible opportunity to gain extra experience through sparring. But also, rest is crucial (and that`s something I really need to remind myself of!).
What do you get out of boxing:
I absolutely adore it. I live and breathe boxing. There`s probably not an hour of the day when I`m not thinking about it in some way. Strangely, it actually helps me relax. It gives me a huge sense of achievement, boosts my confidence, and is definitely a great stress reliever! It has also brought me friends who feel like family, and for that, I`m eternally grateful.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A Sunday roast anytime, especially my mum`s! But I also enjoy a meal at Wetherspoons – clearly, I`m an easy date! I think I`m a bit unusual because I genuinely enjoy eating the specific meals required when making weight; in fact, I miss it when I`m allowed to eat out normally.
Best friends in boxing:
I met my best friends, Becky and Lauren, through boxing, although they don`t compete themselves. Moving to Riley’s Boxing and Fitness Centre has been great for meeting new people who genuinely want you to succeed! I met Bianca and Grace at Riley’s through boxing, and we have great sparring sessions where we exchange `love taps`. It`s wonderful to be able to share experiences with other women at the gym.
Have you ever been starstruck?
Many times, usually when I`ve met bands I really like. I always end up talking nonsense, but that`s nothing new – it`s just my everyday life! I was a little starstruck meeting Hannah Rankin before her fight against Terri Harper. Hannah is incredibly lovely! She even messaged me after my debut to see how I was and offered advice if I ever needed it. I thought that was incredibly kind of her.
Last time you cried:
I`m not entirely sure. I do cry out of frustration sometimes. I remember crying after my debut when my sisters told me they were proud of me. Anything like that, when someone genuinely means it, always gets me emotional.
Best advice received:
Probably all the advice I`ve been given since joining Riley’s. Most of the advice before that feels irrelevant now. The best is: don`t focus on what`s happened before. Focus on what is still to come, both inside and outside the ring.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don`t think there are any, really. I`m fairly unknown, so people don`t really talk about me – or at least, I`m not aware of it! One friend I used to work with once told our new manager I used to be a stripper (I worked in a nursery, by the way!). He also announced the same thing over the speakers at a club where he used to DJ. So, it`s not strictly a rumour, but some people did believe it, though I have no idea why – I certainly don`t have the figure for stripping!
Something not many people know about you:
I love metal music and can play the drums (probably quite poorly now, though).
What one thing would you change in boxing:
Right now, I would probably make every fight have three judges instead of letting the referee score it. I feel like the referee, despite being in the center of the action, can miss things if they`re only seeing the fight from one perspective.
