BEC Connolly says she’s happy to be chucked in at the deep end in her professional boxing career, writes MATTHEW BOZEAT.

The Paddy Fitzpatrick-trained mother of four looks set to be matched tough in her second fight, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, April 28.

Devon fighter Kristine Shergold is being lined up to fight super-featherweight Connolly – and she has fought world-class opponents in her pro career.

Connolly said: “I’m 33, so I know I’ve only got four or five years left in boxing. I’m ready to be chucked in at the deep end and we will see if I sink or swim.

“I know it’s going to be tough. You don’t get too many journeywomen ! They all come to fight.

“But I wouldn’t get in the ring if I didn’t think I could do well.”

Connolly took up boxing at 27 having previously competed in martial arts. She finished with judo after breaking her collarbone and dislocating her shoulder during a competition – and took up boxing after getting divorced.

“I walked into Paddy’s gym and we just clicked straightaway,” she remembered. “I had 33 amateur and unlicensed fights.

“I didn’t like the amateurs. I would travel all over the country for fights – and then my opponent would fail the weight.

“I didn’t like wearing the head guards either and much preferred the unlicensed circuit. There were some good girls competing around London, girls who had won the Haringey Box Cup and won national titles.”

Connolly went on to outpoint Monika Antonik on her pro debut last September and said: “I was really nervous beforehand. I was thinking: ‘Is this really what I want to do ?’ but as soon as the fight started, I knew I was going to enjoy it.”

Connolly’s children are aged between six and 11 and she said: “They say they aren’t impressed that their mum is a boxer. They tell me I’m a dork ! But I know they tell their friends their mum is pretty cool.”

Tickets for the show at the York Hall are available from 07901 121911 and www.becconnolly.co.uk