Natasha Gale sets sights on Savannah Marshall after European title success
Thursday 24 November 2016 17:18, UK
Newly-crowned European champion Natasha Gale will turn her mind to domestic matters after clinching a gold medal at her first major international tournament.
The 28-year-old from Leeds - who trains at the same club as double Olympic champion Nicola Adams - triumphed in the women's middleweight division in Sofia.
Gale seized her opportunity to impress in Bulgaria in the absence of GB No 1 Savannah Marshall as she outpointed Maily Nicar of France to take gold on Wednesday.
Gale was well beaten by Marshall in their only meeting last November but believes her growing experience will equip her to challenge her rival for domestic 75kg supremacy.
She said: "I think I've improved tremendously over the past year and obviously this result puts me right in the top league along with the other 75kg girls.
"When I fought Savannah, she was more skilful than me and had a lot more experience, but I think this win has helped me make a statement and everything is coming together now."
Gale was promoted to the full-time GB programme at the end of last year, joining her long-time friend Adams to whom she often turns for advice.
She added: "Nicola and I are still at the same club gym with the same coach and we have been friends for a long time.
"I only started boxing when I was 24 but she has helped me along the way, telling me how to improve on my mistakes and always being there if I needed any advice."
Adams and Marshall are taking time out from the GB programme following their performances at this summer's Rio Olympics.
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While Adams looks certain to turn pro, former world champion Marshall is set to return in the new year and reignite an increasingly competitive rivalry between the 75kg pair.
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