Highland Boxing Academy's Grant takes history-making Scottish Open boxing title
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Inverness boxer Sarai Grant became the first young female from Inverness to win Scotland’s highest accolade in the sport.
The Highland Boxing Academy athlete boxed her way to the number one spot in the Scottish rankings by winning the Scottish open title at schoolgirl 52kg open class category.
She was up against tough competition in the final as she squared up against former champion Madison Sharkey from Doon Valley Boxing Club.
Sharkey had previously beaten Grant at the Scottish Novice Championships in November.
HBA head coach Liam Foy said Grant was the underdog going into the bout, but she showed her class to become a national champion.
“Sharkey had beaten her earlier in the season,” said Foy.
“So the odds were stacked against Sarai.
“But this brought out the best in her as she cruised to the title winning by unanimous decision.”
Foy says Grant achieved a historic moment for the club and for female boxing by winning the title which HBA had aimed for a long time.
He says after showing the potential she has in the ring to become a champion, she could have a successful future in the sport.
“There has been many massive achievements from female boxers at HBA,” said Foy.
“But this is a title that has evaded the females at the club over the years.
“For Sarai to secure this in only her first season and to avenge a loss against another talented young female on the highest stage in Scotland is testament to her talent.”
After securing the Scottish open title, Grant has now been invited to take part in an assessment at the High Performance Centre in Glasgow.
The teenager will go through a training process at the centre with the aim of securing selection for the national team to represent Scotland at the British Championships.
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