Perkins is hoping to be kept busy after joining England Youth ranks

Molly Perkins celebrates her first international success. Picture submitted

Perkins, who now boxes out of Birmingham for 2nd City, says her experience has made her hard to match at a domestic level.

But after impressing the England coaches in two bouts in Ireland, earning a call-up to England Youth, the 17-year-old now has extra motivation to continue her tough training regime.

“In the area I’m hard to match,” said Perkins. “I’ve had 22 fights which is a lot for a girl and there are not many girls fighting at 48kg.

“Now I can focus on international bouts and hopefully get matched in other countries.

“Now I’m on the England team, I’ll be a bit more motivated - they set me programmes and I will be going away to training camps.”

Perkins’ first outing at international level saw her suffer a split decision defeat in Dublin to Irish national champion Emma Flannery (Baldoyle BC) as England’s juniors lost 6-3.

The following night in Dundalk, Perkins claimed an unanimous verdict against Chloe Fleck (Canal BC) but could not prevent England going down to a 5-4 loss.

However, Perkins had done enough to catch the eye of the England selectors.

“Both girls I fought had had more bouts than me but I was dominant against Fleck,” she said.

“I think the coaches were really impressed with the way I controlled the fight.”

Perkins, who studies on England Boxing’s Advanced Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme is now looking for funding help as she turns her attentions to the Tri-Nations in three weeks and then the World Championships in Taiwan.

“I need funds to help with kit and equipment,” she said. “It takes a bit of pressure off my parents.”

If you can help Perkins with sponsorship, she can be contacted on 07538 275123.