A HARE Street primary school pupil produced a number of impressive performances at an international boxing tournament.

Year 6 pupil Alaya Butt was entered into the 2024 Golden Girl Boxing tournament held in Sweden(Boras) at the start of this term.

One of the largest woman tournaments in the world with 400 competitors, Alaya was originally entered in the 2013-2014 Diploma C level competing with girls in the same age group and weight class as her.

But due to a rules discrepancy, Alaya was put at a disadvantage and was drawn into Diploma B with 2011 age group fighting female boxers who were older than her.

These fights were livestreamed allowing friends and family back in England to watch.

Alaya was matched against last years champion Irene Bolanos in her first bout.

On paper, this was a massive mismatch. Alaya and her team having to decide to either pull her out or continue, as she was at a massive disadvantage with weight and age against her before the competition had begun.

Alaya was adamant to fight and not let anything stop her from competing. She had to adapt to the style of her opponent and she did amazingly well.

Starting strongly with her silky movement, footwork and sharp counter punching despite the fact that the decision was given against her.

Alaya was suitably upset but was determined to come back stronger than ever having gained massive experience at a top level boxing at such a young age.

Alaya picked up the best footwork medal in her group to which she was very proud of, had she been at her age group and weight she most definitely would of walked past her opponents with ease.

Currently Alaya represents England Boxing and fights for Leo’s Boxing Gym. Alaya will next compete in July for the Manchester box cup.