College student boxes clever

Our Sport student, Jaymyleigh Pettinger, has boxed her way to becoming Barnsley’s first female pro boxer.

Finding inspiration from former British bantamweight title holder and coach Josh Wale and Mick Wale she decided to turn professional on her 18th birthday and is scheduled to make her debut at the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday 28 June.

“Barnsley College have always pushed me to concentrate on boxing and helped me to believe in myself, they also understand that boxing comes first and they give me the extra support on assignments that I need.”

As part of Micky’s Athletic Boxing Club, the boxer trains and runs three times a week to perfect her fitness, strength, agility and endurance. Her greatest achievement is being a two times national finalist and representing her country.

Jaymyleigh, a Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development student, said: “Being the first female pro in Barnsley feels like a huge achievement and it still feels like a dream. I had always liked to challenge myself in doing new things, so when I started boxing, I really enjoyed it as it was really hard. I then got told that I’ve natural talent so I decided to keep going and put boxing before everything else to see how far I can get.

“Barnsley College have always pushed me to concentrate on boxing and helped me to believe in myself, they also understand that boxing comes first and they give me the extra support on assignments that I need.”

You can study Sport in Barnsley up to Level 6 by progressing to a degree at Barnsley College University Centre which means that there is something on offer for those who are just starting their career as well as those who are looking to specialise. We’re still accepting applications for courses starting in September 2024.