Kelly Morgan's WBC Convention blog: Reflections

Boxer Kelly Morgan - one of the top five women middleweights in the world - recently attended the WBC Convention in Tijuana, Mexico. Now back in England, the final instalment of her blog sees Kelly discuss her top five moments from her trip.

Back to life, back to reality!

I have been home for six days now and I've wasted no time in getting back into the gym. I have completed nine tough training sessions, so it's safe to say I am fully back into the swing of things. 

There are many challenges inside and outside of the ring, but I am embracing them, one by one. My endeavour to meet those challenges has no doubt been strengthened by the trip to Tijuana and my memories of the inspiring WBC convention.

For me, the highlight remains the people I met. To meet the men and women of the WBC and to hear about their commitment and passion for professional female boxing was enlightening. 

I felt honoured to be immediately accepted by the WBC champions, their teams and their families. 

Gender should never be an obstacle for passion and talent

With no egos and no hesitation, these people took me in and made me feel like I belonged, something I have never experienced so immediately in international sport.

I will never forget that.

So, here are my top five memories of the 2016 WBC convention: 

1) First of all, being introduced and accepted into the "WBC family". I came across so many people on my trip, but I felt privileged to meet WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC female boxing chairman Malte Muller- Michaelis, the International Chair of the WBC World Boxing Cares Programme Jill Chastain and a host of WBC champions. 

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2) Being introduced to the WBC convention by world famous ring announcer, Jimmy Lennon Jnr, as 
"a top contender and future star". It was in front of so many people, I felt truly humbled. 

3) My aim is to become a world champion in this sport, so to have the opportunity to train in a local Mexican boxing gym with current world champions Mikaela Lauren, Momo Koseki and Yuko Kuroki was a superb experience. 

4) It was amazing to listen to Lonnie Ali and get her insight into her feelings on her daughter's decision to box professionally. To hear the reservations that Muhammed and Lonnie initially had and how those reservations faded away once they witnessed Laila's determination and endeavour to succeed. It was inspiring. 

5) Having my forthcoming WBC silver middleweight championship title fight confirmed and laying my eyes on the belt for the first time. It is now my hope to continue with my boxing career, beginning with the WBC silver middleweight title fight on March 12 in Swindon. 

Should I win, my next fight will be for the WBC world middleweight championship and that will either be against Maricela Cornejo or Kali Reis. This is my chance, I will do my utmost to ensure I take it with both hands. 

Outside of the ring, I will represent female boxing and female sport in the best possible way I can with these words ringing in my ears: "gender should never be an obstacle for passion and talent" -Jill Chastain, WBC Convention 2016.