Knock-out Lauren packs a punch

A University of Wolverhampton student is packing a punch by combining her studies with bouts in the professional boxing ring.

Known as the Black Widow, Lauren Johnson recently turned pro and won her debut professional fight.

Inspired by Olympic stars such as Nicola Adams, the Criminology and Criminal Justice student, initially got into boxing to lose weight.

Her trainer spotted her sparring talent after the 32-year-old knocked out an opponent who was being considered for the GB team in less than a minute.

Now living in Willenhall in Wolverhampton, vegan Lauren is keen to empower other female boxers and young people to aim high.

She says: “I got into boxing to lose weight – when I first walked into the gym I was 15 and a half stone. I didn’t realise that women could box until the London 2012 Olympics so I am relatively new to the sport, but when I saw Nicola Adams, Savannah Marshall and Natasha Jonas I thought ‘I’m going to have a go at that’.

“Now in women’s boxing we are trying to empower each other and do something for the future. My goal is European and World titles.

“I can’t thank the University of Wolverhampton enough. The Institute of Sport team are going to help me elevate my game and get to where I want to be, which is at the pinnacle of women’s boxing.”

Welterweight Lauren, who also works as a door supervisor at a nightclub, is thinking of life after competitive matches too and has a career plan worked out.