March ABC’s first female boxer Larham backs young prospect Patsy Smith to follow in her footsteps

Retiring Vicky Larham has a new goal … helping to train up one of the club’s most promising young boxers.

The 28 year-old mother of one returned to boxing at the end of last year after a two year absence following the birth of her son Declan.

But she says she can no longer train as much as she needs to to perform to the level she wants to in the ring.

She said: “With a two year-old son and my job as a personal trainer I can’t dedicate the same amount of time to boxing.

“I’m going to still be a part of the club but because of my back injury I can no longer train like I need to.”

Larham became the first female boxer in March ABC’s 63-year history in 2011 and won a national title just eight months later.

But, the week before the ABA finals, she found out she was pregnant with her first child.

Now, she says her focus is on helping 14 year-old Patsy Smith fulfil her burgeoning potential.

She said: “Patsy is a brilliant boxer and one of the hardest trainers at the club.

“I’m going to help her out and one day she will hopefully become national champion.”