FIGHTING FOR A GOLDEN SHOT: KAYE SCOTT

PICTURED: Kaye Scott IMAGE: Marceau Photography

by Richard Jeans

Kaye Scott may not be a regular sporting name you've heard of, yet as a world silver medallist at last year's World Championships, Scott's reputation precedes her in the square ring and is headed to Western Sydney next week for a shot at Commonwealth Games glory.

On November 1, each state team will arrive at Punchbowl's Croatia Club to compete in Boxing Australia's 2017 National Championships which doubles as the official selection event for a Commonwealth Games representative nominee position.

Each weight category champion will firstly be a National Champion, yet secondly will then be nominated to join Team Australia at next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Those who join the team will be ultimately decided upon by a selection panel judging on medal chances which falls in Scott's favour given her recent performances and wins against world class boxers.

A 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games athlete, Scott has had quite the busy year, we caught up with the elite athlete and STING ambassador to get down to the nitty gritty and find out where she's at for next week's Championships.

 
PICTURED: Kaye Scott IMAGE: Marceau Photography

KS: I've had lots of training camps and plenty of competition both internationally and domestically this year. With the three (3) new women's weight divisions added by AIBA (International Boxing Association - Amateur) to the CWG and Olympics (Welterweight being one of those) my coach and I made the decision to move down. 

STING: So how has that been coming down from middleweight (75kg)?

KS: Since dropping to welterweight I have had five (5) consecutive wins, including four (4) of those being competitive international opponents.

STING: Was that a requirement to compete at next week's champs?

KS: Yes, I fought at the NSW State Trials and won the welterweight final which then enabled me to trial for Commonwealth Games final selections. 

STING: So that was domestically, yet your trips overseas have been a real benefit haven't they, especially with some new 'jewelry' to add to the collection?

KS: I competed with the Australian team at the XII International Silesian Women’s Championships. The tournament was held in Gliwice, Poland and had a solid turnout of boxers from lots of countries. With three (3) fights as many days, I took out the gold medal against Russia in the final.

STING: Well Done! So after that has it been fine tuning or more camps since returning home?

KS: Early October I had a fight in Sydney out at East Leagues Club in Bondi. I fought an experienced boxer, Deanne Carpenter, from NZ that trialled in the Asian Olympic Qualifier selections in 2016. Fortunately I had a strong performance and took out a unanimous points win. 

STING: Your coach is well known on the Australian scene, and is part of the National Coaches Development Squad. How has he prepped your training?

KS: Without giving too much away, the final month of preparation for Nationals has been going super well under the guidance of Jamie Pittman. I've been training alongside team mate, Bailey Mannix, who is also trialing for a CWG Welterweight spot in the men’s division. Two (2) weeks ago I also had a one (1) week camp at the AIS with the youth developments squad and a few other selected elite females. I’m confident and in great shape to win my division.

STING: Thanks Kaye, we're right behind you and can't wait to see you in the ring next week!

KS: Thanks guys. Me too!