Amy Broadhurst: I'm quite an emotional person

The Louth boxer describes her exercise regimen and why she prays for her opponents

Champion boxer Amy Broadhurst talks family and why her favourite place is home. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

LOUTH native Amy Broadhurst has been described as one of Ireland’s most exciting amateur boxers. She has won European, Commonwealth and World Championship gold medals, been named Irish Times Sportswomen of the Year and was nominated for the RTÉ Sports Person of the Year Award.

Recently, Katie Taylor namechecked her in a press conference as ‘one for the future to watch’, adding, ‘I think she’s going to be an amazing pro.’

Amy was thrilled with the shout-out. “It was so amazing to hear those words from Katie Taylor. It’s so good to know I’m backed by the greatest female boxer ever.”

How do you keep fit?

Nine times out of 10, I’m usually fit, but if I’m taking a break or building my fitness back up, running helps me.

Do you have a morning routine?

It usually involves watching The Big Bang Theory and a coffee. Something would be missing if I didn’t have my coffee. Most days I wake up early, around 8am, I have breakfast — scrambled eggs — and head out for the first training session of the day.

What is one thing you do every day?

I always try to see somebody from my family. I have a very close relationship with my mother. I make it my business to see my niece and nephew as much as I can.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I would usually cut out sugar. I have a sweet tooth and that’s my downfall, so when I’ve to get ready for competition, the chocolate habit is out the window.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I love Reese’s Pieces. They don’t agree with me as I always break out in spots but I still eat them anyway.

What keeps you awake at night?

When I’m stressed or something in my life isn’t going to plan, my head can spin its wheels for a while.

How do you relax?

I live near water so a walk along the bank is refreshing!

Who are your sporting heroes?

Boxers Katie Taylor and Canelo Alvarez are big heroes to me.

What is your favourite smell?

If we’re talking perfume, it would have to be Viktor & Rolf’s Good Fortune, but if we’re talking in general, I love the smell of cinnamon at Christmas.

When was the last time you cried?

Probably last week. I’m quite an emotional person in general.

What is the best health advice you’ve ever been given?

Exercise is the best way to stop yourself from falling into a rut. Losing can be hard, and feeling sorry for myself and doing nothing is something I tend to do, but I’ve learned it’s the worst thing to do when dealing with a loss.

What traits do you least like in others?

I don’t like it when people are rude. It doesn’t hurt to be nice. I also don’t like when people are self-centred and only care for themselves.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I overthink things a lot. It causes me to put obstacles in front of me that aren’t there. I don’t like when I’m over emotional either.

Do you pray?

Yes, before I go out to fight, I always kneel down before my warm-up and pray that both myself and my opponent are kept safe.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

Listening to Morgan Wallen (American singer and songwriter).

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Morgan Wallen.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

It hasn’t really impacted my life but like most people, the way the weather is changing concerns me.

What quote inspires you most and why?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

My house. With travelling a lot, my favourite place is being home and with family.

What does Christmas mean to you?

I absolutely adore Christmas — I would put my Christmas tree up in September if I could. The best part for me is the build-up. I hate the feeling on Christmas Day when everything is over.

What does nobody know about you?

I’m a big country music fan — it’s probably my favourite genre.

• Amy Broadhurst is an ambassador for Nike and Dove Body Confident Sport Campaign to encourage 10– 17-year-old girls to stay in sport