Gale ready for Marshall challenge

Despite being one of the newest members of GB Boxing's women's Podium Squad, Gale has certainly made inroads during the three years she has been competing.

The 27-year-old from Leeds defeated Chinese 2014 World Championship silver medallist Li Qian in the final of The President's Cup in Turkey back in September in only her 16th career bout.

The next challenge sees her take on 2012 world champion and London Olympians Marshall in Sheffield.

Marshall will arrive for the bout in good form after winning a gold medal at the Queen's Cup in Germany last month, but Gale is full of confidence that she can be crowned British champion.

"Savannah is a great boxer with a lot more experience than me," Gale said. "When I first started coming to the GB gym on assessments, the idea that I might box her in a meaningful bout seemed a long-way off, so to even be in this position is a fantastic achievement.

"For me it's all about gaining more experience and the chance to compete against a world class boxer.

"The event is sold out and it will be the biggest crowd I have ever boxed in front of so I am just looking forward to Thursday when I plan to do my best and who knows where that will lead me?

"I just can’t believe the progress I have made since I came onto the squad, particularly since I went full-time in September.

"At first I could not see it and thought the coaches were just being nice when they said I was doing well in training, but then I watched back some tapes of my sparring then and now and saw for myself the difference that has taken place.

"My confidence has grown so much. Before I used to have to think about things when I was in the ring but now I find I am just doing them naturally.

"The coaching and the quality of sparring we have here – with both the women and the men - is brilliant. By being exposed to it on a daily basis I feel I am getting better all the time."

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