A pupil from Tong Leadership Academy is celebrating after striking gold at an international boxing tournament.
Vonnie Haley won a belt and gold medal after winning her age group and the 55kg category at the Esker All Female Box Cup in Dublin, run by the prestigious Irish Athletic Boxing Association.
The competition is internationally-renowned as one of the biggest events for female boxers, with more than 400 boxers from 14 countries competing for medals.
The Year 9 pupil won the boxing belt following two flawless performances in the final stages. After beating an opponent from Ireland in the semi-final bout, Vonnie comprehensively out-fought a Canadian competitor in the final, which she won by a unanimous decision. Although she won the belt, the competition rules mean that she couldn’t return home to West Yorkshire with it as it must remain in Ireland.
This is the latest in a series of successful bouts for Vonnie in her fledgling boxing career, after recent wins in prestigious competitions held in Manchester and Hull.
Currently boxing for Platinum Boxing Club in Queensbury, Bradford, Vonnie took up the sport aged just 9, following in the family footsteps of her older brother who also competes in the sport.
Vonnie is seeking to extend her winning streak at the English Championships in May and, if she succeeds, she will secure a place at the European Championships.