Batley boxing gym star Jasmina Zapotoczna retains European crown in France

The West Yorkshire-based boxer, originally from Poland, won the title earlier in the year on a memorable night when beating the previously unbeaten Chloe Watson at the Royal Albert Hall.

She has since had a long wait for a follow-up fight, but was back in action against French fighter Justine Lallemand as the main event bout on a card at Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, in France on Saturday.

And despite being on away ground Zapotoczna emerged as the winner on although she was pushed by her experienced opponent who had a big home backing.

The contest went the distance with Jasmina, who trains at Dicky’s Gym, getting the unanimous verdict of the judges to take her record to 10 wins from 11 fights in her professional career.

Lallemand, whose record is now 10-4, was the number one contender for the EBU 112lb title and fought well in what was a big opportunity for her. But the champion showed enough of her skills to impress the judges and is now aiming to move onto world level in 2026.

Jasmina, who is also WBA international champion, admitted she had been frustrated by being made to wait to follow-up her career-best victory in March, but dealt with the challenge of an opponent who was desperate to succeed after two previous attempts at the European crown, including a close loss to Watson.

She thanked her coaching team from Batley and sponsors Morley Glass, B Well Physiotherapy, Total Fitness Gym, Pure Water Leeds, MJW Hair, Ebanie Bridges and Body Balance Supplements.

"It has been a frustrating time for me because I would like to stay active,” Jasmina told Fight Post.

"How long can I be in the gym just ticking over without any fights being lined up? But what can I do? I just have to stay patient.

"I have a good team around me and nobody is rushing me. I just appreciate the positive things I have in my life. I truly believe the big fights will come, and everything happens for a reason. That’s what keeps me going.”