Ruby White: Teenage boxer aims for Commonwealth gold

White, from Sturminster Newton, Dorset, will compete in the flyweight 51kg class and is among 14 boxers selected for England who are all making their competitive debuts.

For many of Britain’s biggest boxing stars, the Commonwealth Games have proved a major stepping stone to their careers, with Nicola Adams and Lorraine Price among gold winners at recent editions – two men White has drawn inspiration from.

“This is the beginning of my global career journey as an elite,” he said.

“I want to follow in the same footsteps as Nicola Adams and Lauren Price, big names who are training at the GB setup like me.

“I want to come back with gold from the Commonwealth and then the next step is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”

White’s first fight is on Monday (18:30 BST) against South Africa’s Thandolwethu Mathiba and he admits he will probably be “very nervous” when he steps into the SEC Arena for the first time.

“I’m going to take it one day at a time and I know I want to be there,” she said.

“All the training done, hard work done in the gym I just need to perform and put on a good show of boxing.”

That being said, the teenager is relishing the prospect that her form coming into the Commonwealth Games has made her a target for others.

“I haven’t lost since I was 11 years old and every time I step in that ring I know my opponent wants to take my undefeated record away from me,” White said.

“It’s stressful but knowing that means I care.”

He added: “Every time I get in that ring I think me and my opponent both want that win, both want to win and both want to do well but I want it more.”