It’s proving to be a momentous year for Welsh women’s boxing. In May, one of Wales’ most decorated athletes, Olympic Gold medallist Lauren Price MBE, further cemented her legacy when she became Wales’ first female World Champion.
Now, it’s the turn of Swansea’s Ashleigh Johnson and Victoria Perkins to make their mark in the history books when they face off for the first ever women’s Welsh title on Saturday 17th August on a Shadow Promotions show.
The First Women’s Welsh Title
Johnson, who also goes by the alias ‘Sweet Poison’, is currently undefeated in 2 fights and made her last outing back in February against Nicaragua’s Jamillette Janitza Vallejos which Johnson describes as a “dog fight”.
“It was toe-to-toe all the way through. She came to win. She didn’t take a step back; I didn’t take a step back. I was obviously then just so chuffed I won that.”
The super bantamweight recalled initial discussions about the domestic title fight happening prior to her bout against the Nicaraguan, but she didn’t expect it to come to fruition so quickly.
“…I’m living in a dream at the minute.”
“It means the absolute world! I still can’t believe it, like it’s almost as if I’m living in a dream at the minute. It’s mental.
“As soon as I found out that it was all going ahead the camp started, and I’ve been putting the gas out since.”
Johnson vs Perkins
It will be familiar territory for Johnson and Perkins who’ve supported each other as sparring partners previously.
“We used to spar quite regularly, so I sort of know how her style is. Obviously, taking into account she’s changed gyms, her style might have changed as well, you know.
“She’s taking on board different techniques, different skills. So, I’m sort of gearing up to that as well that she’s not going to be the same Victoria that I sparred previously.
“It should be an interesting fight, I think. Two totally different styles of fighters.”
At 5’1”, Johnson is used to being the shorter fighter from her time competing in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and K-1, as well as boxing, and she’ll be forced to call on that experience against Perkins who stands at 6 foot tall.
“I want the win; I want the belt. I want to be ultimately the women’s first Welsh Champion.”
“I expect her to be rangy and long, and probably try and keep me on the end of a jab, as the taller fighter’s do.
“Obviously, I’m confident in myself. I want the win; I want the belt. I want to be ultimately the women’s first Welsh Champion.
“But also, I expect her to be doing the same. So, like I said, I feel like it could be a really good fight where we’re obviously both coming to win.
“This is a massive opportunity for the both of us, so I don’t doubt for one minute we’re both gonna grab it with both hands.”
Big Ambitions
Johnson emphasised that she’s not looking past her fight with Perkins, but she hopes to remain active with another fight this year before a big 2025.
“I want the big fights and I want the title shots. So, if we can get more title opportunities and stuff next year then that will just be absolutely amazing. That’s what I’ve got into boxing for, that’s what I want.”