'I want to reach the Olympics', says teen boxer

Laylah, 14, won the England Boxing National Schools Championship three years in a row

A Hull schoolgirl who took up boxing aged eight says she is determined to one day reach the Olympics.

Laylah has already won the England Boxing National Schools Championship three years in a row - a competition that is open to male and female boxers aged 12 to 14.

On Sunday, the 14-year-old, who is being mentored by former professional boxer Tommy Coyle, will be assessed to see if she qualifies to compete in the England Boxing European Championships.

Laylah said she wants to be "the best boxer I can" and put her progress down to "dedication, lifestyle and choices".

Laylah with her mentor Tommy Coyle

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Laylah said she first started boxing when she joined her brother at the age of eight, who is five years older and was "in the gym all the time".

"I came with him to the training sessions and when I tried it I loved it," she said.

She said her goal would be to win a gold medal at the Olympics and that she "just wants to be the best person I can and accomplish the most I can".

Her determination comes from her family, friends and her team, and the urge to make them and herself proud, she added.

Tommy Coyle, a former boxer turned entrepreneur who became Commonwealth lightweight champion in 2018, runs the academy. He is also Laylah's mentor.

He said: "This girl's got it all. She's going to be in the hot seat a hell of a lot in her young life.

"She's dedicated and doesn't listen to the noise. I'm excited to watch her grow."

Mr Coyle said Laylah "lives and breathes the sport".

"I don't think I've seen a young girl, certainly in Hull, as talented as this young lady," he added.

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