Bradley aiming for first title shot

Welterweight boxer Nina Bradley has an English title in her sights after capturing her first belt.

The 30-year-old from Newark collected the International Female Welterweight Challenge Belt after a unanimous points victory over Bulgarian fighter Borislava Goranova in Sheffield.

Her success moves her up to 12th female in the world at her weight, and sets up a showdown for the English Welterweight belt with Walsall’s Lauren Johnson next year.

It would be the first female title fight licensed by the British Boxing Control.

The fight is due to be held at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on March 2, in a show being run by her coach, Carl Greaves.

Bradley was pleased overall with her victory against Goranova, although she said nerves had played a part.

“I was very happy with my performance. It was a different build-up than I was used to and being on an away show made a difference,” she said.

“The fight was on a bit later than usual and my nerves were definitely there this time.

“I could have been a bit busier in the ring but all these fights are a good learning experience for me.”

Following the capture of her first belt after just three fights, Nina said she was pleased with her progress since turning professional earlier this year.

“I have always been a come-forward fighter, even in my amateur days. Now, being professional, I definitely feel stronger and I am still that come-forward fighter and getting in with the rough,” she said.

“I am a lot faster and speedier in the ring. My footwork has been improved and everything has just been tweaked a little bit.

“There is still a lot to do but all the little things Carl has been teaching me are helping all this come together.”

'Hopefully it will be a great occasion'

Bradley said she was looking forward to potentially be fighting another English woman for the title.

“It will be over ten rounds and I am really looking forward to it,” she said.

“I like the fact I will be fighting an English girl rather than have Carl hunting down another foreign boxer for me to fight.

“Hopefully it will be a great occasion and I am looking forward to giving it my all.

“Now I’m going to enjoy Christmas, and very soon after it will be on to an eight-week camp and working to get myself in the best possible shape.”

Greaves said he was impressed with Bradley’s performance against Goranova and was looking forward to the all-English showdown.

“She boxed very well. She dominated throughout and held her position well in the ring,” Greaves said.

“Her right hand was powerful and I’m very pleased overall.

“Her opponent is one of those that hardly ever gets stopped, so I am pleased with the job Nina did on her.

“This fight is very big news. Nina has been boxing very well and she deserves this opportunity.”