A SEDGLEY teacher who knows how to pack a punch is gearing up to defend her European boxing crown this weekend.

Kirstie 'Bavvo' Bavington teaches PE at Beacon Hill Academy in Sedgley by day – but is a professional boxer by night.

The 30-year-old has won six and drawn two of her 10 fights since turning professional in 2018.

And she has been given special leave from school this week to prepare for the first defence of her EBU European welterweight crown.

Bavvo is topping the bill against unbeaten German Naomi Mannes in Rotherham on Saturday night.

Kirstie, who played football for Wolves, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Crystal Palace and AFC Wimbledon before turning to boxing, said: "All my life I have played sport and I want to inspire others to participate in some way.

"I started boxing to improve my fitness to begin with for football, but then it became an addiction.

"It was an absolute dream of mine to become a champion so I was over the moon to win the European crown, and no-one is going to take it off me without a fight."

Dudley's Mayor, Councillor Sue Greenaway, visited Beacon Hill Academy to meet Kirstie and back her bid for stardom.

Kirstie said: "It was great the Mayor took time out of her busy schedule to pop in and say hello.

"I want to inspire women all over the world, to show that anything is possible if you want it and work hard enough.

"I can’t wait to get in the ring and show what I can do on Saturday night."

The Mayor said: "It was fantastic to meet Kirstie. She is a fantastic role model.

"It’s great to see someone chasing their dreams and I wish her all the luck in the world on Saturday night."

The fight will be streamed live on Fightzone TV.