In the world of boxing, it's not uncommon to witness a display of bravado and posturing. But behind the scenes, in the quiet moments of anticipation before a fight, all that external noise gets stripped away. Karriss Artingstall, an Olympic bronze medallist and an up-and-coming force in the professional featherweight division, knows this all too well.
However, Artingstall's journey to becoming a formidable fighter was marked by fear and uncertainty. When she first started boxing at the age of 16, fear overwhelmed her. She would cry in the changing rooms and even refused to step into the ring. The weeks leading up to her fights were filled with anxiety, to the point where she couldn't eat properly. Despite all this, she mustered the courage to go through with it and emerged victorious in her first nine fights.
Boxing and the military played significant roles in shaping Artingstall's life. Growing up, she was a self-proclaimed wild child, frequently getting into trouble and constantly surrounded by police and expulsion from multiple schools. It was within a non-mainstream school that Artingstall found her introduction to boxing. Every Friday, she and a few others would visit the Macclesfield Boys boxing gym, which became their physical education lesson. It was there that a coach recognized her potential in the sport.
However, before fully committing to boxing, Artingstall paused her training to join the British Army. While there was no specific reason for her decision, it was a desire to be active and hands-on that led her down that path. The military culture initially proved to be a shock for someone who had been a troublemaker and class clown. The army demanded complete discipline, something Artingstall had to learn and adapt to.
Joining the Royal Artillery was transformative for Artingstall. The army broke her down to build her back up, and through intense training and discipline, she experienced personal growth. The challenges she faced molded her into a resilient and disciplined individual. The army, along with boxing, became catalysts for change, effectively redirecting her attitude and focusing her energies on something positive.
Artingstall's dedication and hard work paid off when she became the first British Army boxer to reach an Olympic podium. At the Tokyo Games, she clinched the bronze medal, defeating Skye Nicolson in the quarter-finals and narrowly losing to eventual champion Sena Irie in the semi-finals. While proud of her achievement, Artingstall admits to having mixed emotions about it. She knows her capabilities and has ambitious goals for her boxing career.
In the professional realm, Artingstall has set her sights on winning a world title. Her determination to face the best competition is unwavering. She understands that winning a world title against formidable opponents, like Amanda Serrano, would hold greater significance than facing easier opposition. Artingstall's mindset is firmly fixed on reaching the pinnacle of her sport.
This year, Artingstall aims to earn a shot at a world title. She knows that to achieve that, she needs to continue fighting opponents ranked above her. Her next step up will come against Brazil's Lila Furtado on the undercard of the Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer world title fight. Artingstall believes this is the year she should be knocking on the door for a world title opportunity.
Karriss Artingstall's journey is a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and personal growth. From a young girl overcome by fear to an Olympic medallist and a rising star in the professional boxing world, Artingstall's story exemplifies the transformative power of sports and the military. As she continues her journey, Artingstall remains focused on achieving her goals and leaving her mark on the sport she loves.
