Savannah Stubley, an aspiring Olympic boxer, defies societal norms and challenges gender stereotypes in the world of boxing. Inspired by the remarkable success of Nicola Adams at the London 2012 Olympics, Stubley embarked on a journey to pursue her passion for the sport, despite initial resistance from her family and community.
Reflecting on her early days in boxing, Stubley recalls the skepticism she faced from her parents.
“My mum and dad were a bit not happy at first. They said, ‘No you’re not going, you’re a girl. Girls don’t box.'”
However, Stubley’s determination prevailed, fueled by her unwavering passion for the sport ignited by Adams’ triumph.
Joining the Empire School of Boxing in Blyth at the tender age of seven, Stubley found herself as the lone female amidst a sea of male boxers. Yet, she found solace in the camaraderie and support of her fellow boxers, who embraced her as part of their family. Despite the initial skepticism, her coach recognized her potential, affirming, “I can make a champ out of her.”
For Stubley, boxing wasn’t merely a sport but a testament to her resilience and determination to defy societal expectations. As a Traveller, Stubley’s nomadic lifestyle posed challenges, but her family made sacrifices to nurture her dream. “We stopped. We stopped in the same spot and we just kept going to the gym and I’ve just trained ever since,” Stubley recounts, highlighting her family’s unwavering support.
Driven by the desire to shatter stereotypes, Stubley is determined to pave the way for aspiring female boxers, particularly those from the Travelling community. “There’s not many Travelling girls out there that box. I just want to show that girls, Travelling girls, any girl that wants to do it, she can do it, she can box,” Stubley asserts.
Now, Stubley stands on the cusp of history as she represents Great Britain in the flyweight category, following in the footsteps of her idol, Nicola Adams. Selected for the upcoming Olympic qualification event in Milan, Italy, Stubley is poised to make her mark on the global stage. Reflecting on her journey, she shares,
“Since seeing Nicola Adams in the 2012 Olympics, it just changed everything, I just wanted to be like her.”
In the realm of boxing, mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping aspiring athletes’ careers. Patris Mughalzai, a promising light-welterweight boxer, finds inspiration and guidance in Olympic gold medalist James DeGale. Mentored by DeGale, Mughalzai is poised to make a statement at the qualification event, armed with confidence and determination.
As Mughalzai prepares to embark on his journey, he acknowledges the significance of self-belief and resilience in the face of adversity. “As a boxer you’ve got to have the confidence otherwise you’re in the wrong sport,” Mughalzai asserts, underscoring the importance of mental fortitude in achieving success.
For both Stubley and Mughalzai, the road to Olympic glory is fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, fueled by passion and perseverance, they stand ready to defy the odds and leave an indelible mark on the world of boxing.
In a sport where grit and determination reign supreme, Savannah Stubley and Patris Mughalzai epitomize the resilience of the human spirit, transcending boundaries and inspiring generations to come. As they step into the ring, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a generation, poised to rewrite history and redefine the narrative of female empowerment in sports.
