I want to fight world champions and fires in two high-risk careers
LUCY WILDHEART might be the toughest boxer in britain for chasing fights with world champions and fires.
In the build-up to her Saturday night clash with 8-0 Australian ace Skye Nicholson, the Sweden-born Essex girl has taken her physical and mental tests and interviews to join the Chelmsford fire brigade.
The fearless 30-year-old featherweight has spent the last week tapering down to 9st, sorting out her team’s fight-night kit, renovating her new home and waiting by the phone for news on her dream job.
And she hopes a hectic week is turned into a perfect one with a win on the Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron undercard and a call from the Brigade to start her new post.
“I always wanted a job serving the community and helping people,” she told SunSport.
“And I have now passed the seven physical tests, had my interviews and am waiting for that phone call.
Boxing
“It was a little bit embarrassing at the physical – where he did a bleep test and strength, speed and stamina tests all in the full uniform and kit – because somebody there recognised me and told the instructor that I was a professional boxer.
“But it went well, it was tough, I can fight as low as 9st but I might have to rescue someone who weighs 16st so the tests have to be hard and I liked that and was proud to be one of the few people who passed.
“Hopefully the call doesn’t come when I am over in Ireland, training or at a media event. But I can always call back hopefully with another big win.”
It’s a massive month for Swedish boxing as Otto Wallin has been named as Anthony Joshua’s December 23 Saudi Arabia opponent.
Like Wildheart, Wallin left behind his home to move to a more boxing-friendly country and set up camp in New York.
And she reckons AJ and Nicholson’s shared promoter Matchroom have made a massive mistake cherry picking two compatriots who could become the biggest exports since Abba and Ikea.
She explained: “I met Otto many years ago at a training camp in Sweden, he told me that if I ever needed anything I could contact him straight away.
“I have never taken him up on his offer but I have never forgotten how nice he was to me so I have always followed his career.
“I think he can beat Joshua, it seems such a risky opponent on only six-weeks’ notice. But I think the same about them picking me for Skye.
“Otto is a southpaw, he is big, strong and a clever boxer who is in a great run of form.
“I lost my last fight on points but I took it on 24hrs notice, two divisions above my usual weight, against a former world champion, so my confidence has never been higher.
“I think me and Otto have both been overlooked as easy opponents, AJ and Skye are both being backed to go on to bigger fights straight after us.
“But I really believe we can both spring big upsets and spark a massive party back in Sweden.”
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH