Aberdeen’s Kristen Fraser aims to be a trailblazer after becoming Scotland’s first professional woman boxer.
The five-time Scottish amateur champion will make her pro debut at the Beach Ballroom on Friday, March 31.
Fraser, 28, who will compete at bantam or superbantamweight is targeting a rapid shot at Scottish and British title glory and hopes her ring career can inspire other women.
She said: “I am the first Scottish female professional boxer and want to be at the forefront to show other women and also youngsters to go for it, and take their destiny in their own hands.
“I want to show them that even if they are frustrated with where they are if they keep focused and keep training they can make it.
“I was at the forefront for Scottish amateur boxing and did a lot of firsts for that.
“Now it is time to do that with professional boxing in Scotland.”
Fraser was on course to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Securing a fifth national title at senior 51kg put her in pole position for a place at the home games. However, Fraser was to suffer Commonwealth heartache.
“Amateur Boxing Scotland made the decision not to send any female boxers to the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“I was so deflated after that I came close to quitting and took time off to decide what I wanted to do.
“It was either return to the same cycle at amateur, give up or turn professional.
“I still have the hunger to win and the hunger to fight.
“In the immediate future I am looking at Scottish and British titles.
“Hopefully, I can get them and then move on and take further title opportunities.”
Help support quality local journalism … become a digital subscriber to the Evening Express
For as little as £5.99 a month you can access all of our content, including Premium articles.
Subscribe