Canary Wharf Thai boxer eyes world title

She hopes to go one better than the silver medal she picked up in the European Championships earlier this year.

Amanda, 27, is excited about her first crack at a world title, and plans to exact revenge against the Belarussian fighter who edged her out in that final in Latvia

She said: "I was a bit unlucky, to be honest. It was a close final and I really thought I'd done enough to win it. But I think I've learned what I need to do this time round.

"But I'm not underestimating the other girls in the competition. There are good fighters from Canada and Eastern Europe, while the Thais will be very hard to beat on their home patch."

Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, differs from conventional boxing with fighters using hands, feet, elbows and knees. Amanda fights in the 60kg division and will face 14 other girls in the competition.

If she gets to the final she will have seven bouts, each consisting of four two minute rounds. It will be tough in hot and humid conditions, and although the sport can be quite violent, safety controls mean serious injuries are rare.

"It's hard, but it's not as violent as something like cage fighting," said Amanda. "I've had a couple of injuries bit nothing serious. Fighters have to be aware of what's going on all the time because it's very quick and with elbows and knees flying you can be caught out if you aren't careful."

Thai boxers can compete in both amateur and professional competitions simultaneously. Amanda, who has her own personal training business, admits it helps when it comes to mixing it in the amateur ranks.

She said: "The styles are slightly different but it definitely helps. There are three professional classes and I fight at B class. Hopefully I'll move up to A class fairly soon but I really enjoy the amateur competitions.

"I'm lucky because our coach is Bill Judd, who is also the national coach, while I train with Anna Zuchelli regularly. She's world number one in the 57kg division so it means I learn a lot every time."

Amanda trains at the KO Gym in Bethnal Green, and two of their other fighters - Zuchelli and Ash Uddin should also be in the England squad. After practising the sport for two-and-a-half years, Amanda feels the attraction of Thai boxing is obvious.

She said: "A lot of people do it for different reasons. It's a great way to get fit, to lose weight, to build confidence, and it's a very effective form of self-defence. Plus, there's the opportunity to take part in competitions."

Success at international level means sacrifices and Amanda follows a rigorous training regime to keep herself in tip-top shape for competition.

She said: "I train six days a week, which involves a morning run, shadow work and then a two-and-a-half hour session in the evening. I have to watch what I eat and, although I don't drink much, I give up alcohol completely for a couple of days before a fight.

"Mind you, if I win gold at the Worlds I might just be cracking open some champagne."

For more on Amanda's training visit ajptlondon.co.uk.