Nina Hughes is a boxer with clout.

Not only does she inspire women to get into boxing, she proves that ‘older’ sportswoman can, not only hold their own, but win medals.

At the end of July, in her third professional fight, the 39-year-old boxed for the Commonwealth title.

She reined victorious at the boxing match held at the Civic hall, Grays, where she won against 24-year-old Tysie Gallagher.

“I was 26 when I took my first boxercise class. I initially went their to do the classes for fitness,” explained Nina, who is from Grays and lives in Billericay,” she said.

“My trainer at the time said I should try sparring so I gave it a try. I won the match and that was it, I loved it!”

Echo: Fighting fit - Nina is proving her doubters wrongFighting fit - Nina is proving her doubters wrong

Nina later joined Chadwell St.Mary Amateur Boxing Gym. Within just 18 months of boxing she was selected for the first-ever female Great Britain squad for the 2012 Olympics at flyweight and travelled the world boxing representing England.

She was selected for the GB team for the 2012 London Olympics but Nicola Adams was chosen to compete.

“It was only in 2012 that women’s boxing was an official Olympic sport. There is a lot more opportunities for women boxers now,” she said.

Nina later got married and had her first child and she initially went back to training to get fit.

“I had put on weight and wanted to increase my fitness,” said Nina.

“However, I remembered again how much I loved it. I joined a professional boxing gym during lockdown because they were able to continue running.

“I had a great amateur career and missed out on the 2012 Olympics to Nicola Adam’s. Then during lockdown I made the decision to turn professional.”

When Nina went on to have her second child she did so knowing she would return to the sport afterwards. Her amateur pedigree saw her fast-tracked in her pro career.

“I have had a lot of people doubt me, but I have never doubted myself. It has been a struggled to get people to promote me because of my age, but I am proud of what I have achieved,” said Nina.

“It has been so nice to go back to the gym and have people say to me I have inspired them.”