By Christian Lee
Josh Warrington isn’t the only Leeds warrior in the city – Bramley boxer Nevaeh Brierley also goes by this nickname and she is already a two-times national champion.
12-year-old Nevaeh started boxing at four years old and has now made it onto the Great Britain team where she will have the chance to travel and fight in international tournaments.
WLD spoke to her mum Shelly about her daughter’s achievements and hopes for the future.
“She definitely wants to be professional and go to the olympics,” Shelly said. “Nevaeh originally trained with Jason Gledhill, who has trained Anthony Joshua and Josh Warrington. Even at a young age with her footwork he said she’ll be something special.”
Shelly added: “Everyday is a training day as her mind is focused on her name being known all over the world. As soon as school finishes her school shoes come off and her boxing boots go on. She lives and breathes the sport.”
Her idol is the two-weight world champion Katie Taylor, who she is hoping to meet next year. Shelly explained that she even fights with the same style as the olympic gold medallist, although Neveah is a southpaw unlike Taylor.
When asked how boxing helps her daughter, Shelly said: “Boxing is quite a lonely sport. It helps her when dealing with other situations. Neveah struggles at school but boxing really helps. As soon as she comes home she wants to be in the gym.”
Boxing can be an expensive sport and she is supported on her journey by a number of sponsors which include Angels roofing, Em Workwear Embroidery and Samantha Dray from Dray and Night Party Planning. Shelly also extended a thank you to the support Nevaeh gets from her gym, trainers and all her supporters.
The next goal for Nevaeh is to retain her national title that she won by beating Fallon Anderson in the under 39kg category in February 2022. The dates for the competition are yet to be announced but mum Shelly said that the young boxer will be ready.
