TEENAGE boxer Milli Hansen has taken a step towards her 2016 Olympics dream by winning a top national title.
The 13-year-old has achieved a historic feat for the Grimsby region by lifting an Amateur Boxing Association of England National Championship belt.
The Cleethorpes Academy pupil, who trains at Grimsby Boxing Academy, beat Portsmouth's Shanay Bennett by majority decision in the under-54kg category at the Female ABAE Championships, held in Cannock.
Hansen, who took up boxing four years ago, capitalised on her shot in the national competition, promoted by organisers as 'The Road to Rio Starts Here!'
"I'm so pleased and everyone is so proud," said Hansen, who got the nod from the judges after three one-and-a-half-minute rounds.
"All the hard work has paid off. Everyone has congratulated me and the gym is buzzing.
"I knew she was ahead after the first round. She was taller than me and threw lots of straight shots coming forward.
"It was a bit intimidating with her being undefeated going into the fight too.
"But in the second and third rounds I used as much power as I could. I caught her with a big shot when she was on the ropes, and she got a standing-eight count.
"It was just amazing when I got the decision."
Hansen is now in line to represent England in competitions abroad – and she hopes to follow in the footsteps of London 2012 Olympics gold-medallist Nicola Adams, who was crowned an English amateur champion in 2003.
"It's great to think that it could be me representing England in the future," said Hansen.
"I want to box in the 2016 Olympics, that's my dream.
"This title is a big step for me. It was my big chance. It means so much to have won it."
GBA head coach Andy Cox said: "We knew Milli could raise her game and she delivered.
"She was the underdog and a bit nervous at first. But we thought the girl might underestimate Milli and she did.
"Milli came back into it and landed a big shot that made her opponent wobble, and she landed a few more good shots before the final bell too.
"Milli wasn't sure if she'd won, but at the end she was smiling and the other girl looked down.
"When they said it was a majority decision, I had my head in my hands as I thought she'd been robbed – but then that turned to delight when they said Milli's name. She's now number one in the country and everyone at the gym is so proud of her."
