RISING boxing star Chantel Whiting from Tavistock is delighted that construction firm Redrow Homes is to continue as one of her key sponsors

Chantel, aged 16, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her hero Nicola Adams, the world’s first female Olympic boxing champion.

She said: ‘Redrow has made an unbelievable difference to my boxing career so far. There’s no way I would have been able to fund all the travel, accommodation and equipment costs that are required to compete at this level in boxing. Redrow has continued to support me along my boxing journey and I’m very grateful for this.

‘The past few months really have been a bit of a whirlwind! In March I won the Junior National Championships in Rotterdam, and then in May I competed in the Three Nations Championships, winning three rounds to become British number one.’

Chantel has now been accepted onto the England Talent Pathway, which will put her on track for Olympic success.

‘My immediate focus over the next few months will be gearing up to represent England at the European Championships in Russia later this year in October.

‘My biggest boxing dream has always been to compete at the Olympic Games, and everything I’m doing now is working up to qualifying for the 2020 Games in Tokyo.’

Annie Williams, head of sales at Redrow West Country said: ‘We are extremely privileged to be a part of Chantel’s journey to success in the boxing world.

‘It really is fantastic to be able to support such a young talent from the West Country, and we wish her the best of luck as we continue to follow her success in all the upcoming competitions.’