Chloe Watson (2-0) says she is ready to shine as the Birkenhead-boxer prepares to face Fara El Bousairi (4-2, 1 KO) in front of her home fans as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Channel 5.
The former Team GB boxer has spent her whole life preparing for a moment like this, fighting on a televised card in her home city, but a game El Bousairi is not travelling from Spain simply to make up the numbers.
“She’s got an impressive winning record, so she’ll be definitely coming to win,” said Watson. “I believe these are the fights where you’ll see me shine, and there’s no better way to do that than to have a good competitive fight in my hometown of Liverpool.”
This will be a rise in competition for Watson, as the Flyweight prepares for her third professional fight since debuting in November 2021. The talented fighter has enjoyed an active start to her promising career, and at 22 years old, she is still learning her trade and using all the sacrifice from her past to keep her eyes on her goals.
“I’m fighting for the 8-year-old me who first went into the boxing gym and fell in love. I’m fighting for the 10-year-old me who turned up to the gym day in, day out. I’m fighting for the 15-year-old me who pushed past the first hurdles to go on and achieve success after,” said Watson.
“Secondly I’m boxing for my family. My younger brothers, sisters and cousins – to show them that if you want to commit yourself 100% then anything is possible. That’s something that I strongly believe.”
Watson has previously highlighted such fighters as Natasha Jonas and Katie Taylor as huge inspirations to her career. She wants to follow in the footsteps of those who impacted her involvement in the sport by doing the same for the future crop of female boxers.
“To see the progress that women’s boxing has made; female and male boxers hardly get separated in gyms much,” she says.
“Seeing how much I have progressed over the past decade is obviously something I’d like to use to get others inspired and involved. There’s so many pathways and opportunities for female fighters to do the same thing I love, it’s just a bonus for me if it can encourage anyone.”
Being able to encourage others and make statements can be a little bit easier on terrestrial television, and she will be taking the most of the opportunity to get her name out on free-to-air television.
“To be on Channel 5 and have all them eyes on me gives you that extra push. It makes you want to be in great fights and stand out so you can move towards achieving your goals,” said Watson.
“I believe this opportunity is really going to take me to the next level, it’s something I’m grateful for and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling on 17 June.”
The eyes of her fellow Liverpudlians will be keen to witness a new rising star from one of England’s greatest fighting cities. On a long list of her motivations, being moulded by a community that wants to support each other and share successes is something that fills her with added hunger to perform come fight night.
“I’m from an area where everyone likes to help one another and see each other succeed, and I appreciate the people of this city,” she said.
“I feel amazing about fighting in Liverpool to be honest. It is the best city when it comes to boxing, everyone wants to box there, I’ve never heard of any fighter say they’re not excited when a fight gets announced in Liverpool because the backing is just unbelievable. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”
Heavyweights collide as Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) takes on Tomas Salek (17-3, 13 KOs) as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena. Featuring an electric British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator between Liverpool’s Marcel Braithwaite (12-3) and Thomas Essomba (11-7-1, 4 KOs), the professional debut of Aaron Chalmers, former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson (2-0) against Fara El Bousairi (5-2, 1 KO), plus the undefeated Paddy Lacey (2-0) , Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright (17-3, 7 KOs) and heavyweight giant ‘Magic’ Matty Harris (2-0, 1 KO). Promoted by Wasserman Boxing, live on Channel 5, in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.
Tickets are available via https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/
