Name: Harli Whitwell
Age: 23
Twitter: N/A
Nationality: British
From: St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Height: 5′ 7″
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 4-0
Next fight: April 27th at the Brentwood Centre, Brentwood
When and why you started boxing:
At the tender age of five, I embarked on my boxing journey. My father, Stephen, was a former boxer who went on to establish the St. Ives Boxing Club in 2004. At that time, I was merely four years old, while my sister Shona was a few years ahead of me. As my father took charge of the children’s classes, I eagerly awaited the day when I would be old enough to join the gym alongside my sister. And so, we began our boxing endeavors together, and I have remained committed to it ever since.
Favourite all-time fighter:
During my upbringing, Ricky Hatton consistently stood out as a prominent figure. He was among the first fighters my father acquainted me with, leaving a lasting impression. Additionally, Katie Taylor serves as a tremendous source of inspiration for me.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Attending the 2012 London Olympics to witness the boxing match between Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas marked a significant moment in my life. The atmosphere was truly awe-inspiring, leaving me in utter amazement. Thanks to a generous gift from someone at the gym, my father and I were fortunate enough to obtain two tickets for the event. It became a monumental day for me, forever etched in my memory.
Personal career highlight:
Representing England in amateur boxing was definitely one of the most memorable moments of my career. However, my professional debut against Bojana Libiszewska in 2022 was undeniably monumental for me. Your first professional fight is something that will stick with you forever. Achieving a stoppage in the second round made it the ideal debut.
Toughest opponent:
Every single one of my amateur fights was incredibly challenging. I found myself in numerous 50/50 battles, with Dione Burman being my toughest opponent. I had the privilege of facing her in the boxing ring three times. Despite putting up a valiant fight, I was only able to secure a victory in one of those encounters, succumbing to defeat in the remaining two. Each fight was fiercely contested, with both of us exchanging blows in a toe-to-toe fashion.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
It can be unfortunate that I tend to get overly immersed at times, causing the game plan to be disregarded. However, we are gaining knowledge from these experiences. My strongest quality is likely my determination and dedication to my work. I put in extensive, rigorous training. I possess a great deal of self-discipline. I am fully committed and devoted to the game.
Training tip:
Work diligently, heed your coach’s guidance, and embrace the journey. This valuable lesson has been ingrained in me. In the past, I used to burden myself with unnecessary pressure. However, I have now discovered the joy of cherishing the process and the training. While skills are crucial, if you lack passion for your endeavor, you are undoubtedly pursuing the wrong path.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I must confess, my go-to choice after a fight is either a comforting Sunday roast or indulging in a delightful meal at a Japanese restaurant.
Best friend in boxing:
Despite not being able to train with my sister Shona from Team GB all the time, there is no one better to train with than her. Additionally, our amateur team, the Girls Squad, is exceptional, and we consider ourselves a close-knit family.
Which other athlete would you like to be:
Before my inaugural professional fight, I immersed myself in the writings of David Goggins. Having undergone a grueling 13-week training camp, my motivation began to wane. Sensing my struggle, my boyfriend urged me to delve into Goggins’ books. The indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment preached by Goggins resonated deeply within me.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I watched the new Bob Marley film One Love at the cinema. I liked the story, but I felt they missed a lot of his life out, and at times, it wasn’t very realistic. On TV, the last thing I watched was Dark Tourist on Netflix.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Although I’m not particularly into movies, I don’t mind watching as long as the main character is funny and attractive.
Have you ever been starstruck:
At a Golden Girls tournament in Sweden, I was unexpectedly contacted by Natasha Jonas for an interview when I was around 14 years old. I vividly remember gazing up at her in awe, unable to contain my excitement.
Last time you cried:
Last week, I found myself being quite emotional, likely over something trivial. Let’s just say that I am very aware and in tune with my emotions.
Best advice received:
In order to foster trust and maintain loyalty within your team, it is important to avoid engaging in conflicts that you are unprepared for.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard a rumor since my school days, so my advice would be to ignore them.
Something not many people know about you:
Lately, I’ve taken on the challenge of learning DJing on my own. One genre I particularly enjoy is drum and bass. Surprisingly, this is something not many people are aware of, likely because I’m not very skilled at it yet. When I have free time, I like to engage in activities unrelated to boxing. I simply find enjoyment in pursuing other interests, and DJing is undeniably a fun one for me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years:
I hope that I become a world champion, filled with happiness and good health.
What one thing would you change in boxing:
Fighters who are new to the scene and lack the Team GB amateur background face limited opportunities. Selling tickets is extremely challenging and adds significant pressure on the fighter. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide some assistance and offer more chances to these fighters. Additionally, reducing the prevalence of YouTube boxing would be favorable.
