Isle of Man boxer back in the ring aiming for more titles

Isle of Man boxer and Commonwealth silver super featherweight champion Jade Burden will be back in the ring this weekend.

The 35-year-old former island footballer clinched her maiden belt when defeating defending champion Katie Smith in Bolton earlier this year, making Manx sporting history when she became the first female boxer from the island to claim a Commonwealth title.

Now, the ‘Grenade’ will put her unbeaten professional record on the line when she takes on Shauna Browne in Harrow, London live on TV this Sunday when the pair face off for the vacant WBA Gold and IBF International Lightweight belts.

Speaking to the Media Isle of Man ahead of the fight – which will be screened on DAZN – Burden said: 'I’m feeling great heading into fight week. I’m confident, excited and just ready to get in there now.

'It’s been a long, tough training camp, but I’ve put absolutely everything into it. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to get to this point and I genuinely believe I’m in the best shape of my career.

'There’s definitely a lot of mutual respect between myself and Shauna. We’re both there to do a job, and we both know what’s at stake.

'She’s a good fighter and I wouldn’t expect anything less than a tough contest, but I’m confident in my own ability and what I bring to the ring. The respect is there but, once that first bell goes, it’s business.’

'For me, this is about so much more than just another fight. I’m a girl from the Isle of Man who had a dream of making something of herself in boxing, and now I’m headlining Harrow Leisure Centre, fighting for two major titles live on DAZN.

'Sometimes I have to remind myself how far I’ve come. I’m incredibly proud to represent the Isle of Man, and the support I’ve received from back home has been unbelievable. I want to do everyone proud.

'Ultimately, I’ve worked too hard and sacrificed too much to let this opportunity pass me by.

'I know what’s on the line, I know what a win could mean for my career, and I’m going in there to give absolutely everything I’ve got.

'I’m not just coming to take part in a big occasion. I’m coming to win.'