Commonwealth shot could open world doors

Boxer Nina Bradley will be ready to do battle on the world stage when she fights for a Commonwealth title in September.

The 30-year-old, from Newark, will lock horns with Feriche Mashauri, of Tanzania, for the vacant Commonwealth super lightweight title at the King Power Stadium, Leicester.

The fight, on September 15, will be the second ever female Commonwealth title contest in the UK.

Bradley said she was excited for the opportunity to propel herself to more prestigious bouts.

"It is massive for me and a great way to get into the world rankings," she said.

"Hopefully it will get me some bigger fights.

"There has been big excitement while I have been waiting for confirmation for this to go ahead and doing my training camp.

"The nerves will start to kick in but I am ready to put in the hard work."

Both fighters are undefeated, with Bradley victorious in her five previous encounters while 26-year-old Mashauri has won her first seven bouts.

Bradley, signed with Newark boxing promoter Carl Greaves, believes she has a strong chance.

"I have had a look at Feriche and, from what I can pick up, she looks strong, durable and very fit," said Bradley.

"But she does not look like she has a lot to offer, just a big back hand.

"I will have to make sure I move around and hopefully we can come out with the belt."

Bradley is hopeful that a Commonwealth title could open the door for a meeting with welterweight world champion Cecilia Brækhus, of Norway, who has 34 straight victories as a professional.

"I have been having a look at my weight category, and Cecilia beat an opponent who had only seven fights for the world title.

"Worldwide she is the best out there. Cecilia has won all the fights and all the belts, so it would be great to get my chance.

"But I do not want to get carried away and my focus is on this next fight."

Bradley said she was grateful to sponsor Gordon Hall, of GT Hall, who helped make the fight possible.

Promoter and trainer Greaves, a former WBF world super-featherweight champion, said it was an exciting prospect.

"It is a great opportunity for Nina, getting home advantage and hopefully a title. But both Nina and Mashauri are unbeaten, so they are going to put everything on the line.

"I have watched Mashauri and Nina is capable of beating her.

"Victory could open the way to world-title fights.

"You can move women boxers faster through than men because there are not as many of them around."

Greaves is looking for other female boxers for Bradley to spar with as she increases her work at the training camp ahead of the fight.