Amateur boxing sensation Tiah Ayton initially saw her messages to promoter Eddie Hearn go unanswered. This changed dramatically after a single sparring session.
At just 18, Ayton was an exceptional amateur boxer, winning all her matches to become a four-time national champion.
She boasted a flawless 21-0 record in amateur boxing and had participated in over 300 bouts across kickboxing and Muay Thai.
However, her ambition was to compete professionally, even declining a contract with Team GB to emulate the success of the legendary Katie Taylor.
Following Taylor`s example (the 2012 Olympic champion), Ayton personally contacted Hearn to get noticed, but her initial efforts were unsuccessful.
She recounted with a laugh: “I messaged him something like, `Hopefully one day you`ll sign me.`”
“But he never replied! So maybe he`ll reply now.”
Despite the lack of an initial response, Hearn would soon become aware of Ayton`s talent.
Earlier this year, the young talent was brought in to spar with former WBC featherweight champion Skye Nicolson.
Eddie Hearn was present at trainer Eddie Lam`s iBox Gym in Bromley during the sparring session. He was so impressed by Ayton`s performance that he offered her a contract immediately.
Ayton understood this wouldn`t be a typical sparring session; she felt it was a crucial opportunity.
She stated: “I had to give it my all; it wasn`t just a normal spar. I approached it like it was an actual fight.”
“And it paid off, so I`m pleased. He told me I was great, that I looked good and was interesting to watch.”
Ayton is also managed by Brian Peters, the same manager who guided Katie Taylor to undisputed championships in two weight classes.
Ayton, who has been called “the next Katie Taylor,” has even received advice from the renowned Irish boxer herself.
Ayton shared: “I spoke to her on the phone. She mentioned she`s excited to see my professional debut and said she`s seen footage of me.”
“It`s inspiring. She`s a great role model for young women interested in boxing.”
Ayton is scheduled to make her professional debut on June 21 in Birmingham, competing in the super-bantamweight division on the undercard of Galal Yafai`s fight.
