An amateur boxing champ whose social media posts which have been viewed millions of times has spoken about why she wants to inspire other girls into sport.

Anaya Shahid, 14, has lofty ambitions as she wants to be the first Pakistani female boxing Olympic medallist and to eventually become the national and world champion. She won the Northwest Championships in April.

She trains for two hours six days of the week at the Bolton’s Premier Boxing Club.

She has been boxing for the past nine years, and her coaches and supporters recognise her talent and dedication. 

Anaya told us: “I enjoy boxing because it’s who I am. I love everything about it, especially the discipline.

“There aren’t many female Pakistani boxers. I want to change that and break the stigma in boxing, and I want to be an inspiration to ethnic minorities.”

Anaya never rests even in her free time although she loves spending time with her family. 

She likes watching and analysing boxing fights and has a rigorous training regime which starts at 6am with a run before school.  After school she trains intensely at the gym followed by spending time on homework.

She said: “Balancing boxing and school is challenging but rewarding. School teaches me valuable skills and boxing complements that by instilling discipline and focus.

 “You can get a degree and become a world champion too. I wish to do a degree in law.”

Anaya has a passion for video editing and has a large following on TikTok and Instagram.  One of her TikTok videos has been viewed over a million times. In a video message, former world champion Amir Khan has complimented her skills.

Anaya said: “What makes me different to other people my age is that they go out with friends and waste time on social media, but I spend my free time training and have to be careful what I eat.

“I’m really strict about my diet which includes eating eggs in the morning and drinking water and eating fruit throughout the day. There is so much hard work going on behind the scenes.”

Anaya said she 'loves fighting' and she wouldn’t be where she is without the support of family including her dad, uncles, aunts, grandparents and her 'greatest fan' – mum Aliya Ali.

Aliya revealed her daughter started boxing at the age of five and she trained with Kieran Farrell, the former professional boxer, before joining Premier Boxing Club in Bolton. 

"She is so passionate about boxing and has become so strong as she is at the gym five days a week.

“She has won four fights and lost three. She is really passionate about boxing. All she does is train and watches boxing fights.”

Her proud mum, who wanted to be a boxer herself when she was younger, takes Anaya to and from gym every day and supports her in every way. In school all the teachers know about Anaya’s boxing career and support her by coming to her fights.

Rasib Muhammad, added: “I do think Anaya can make it to the Olympics and become national and international champion.

"Once she realises her potential we will see the best of Anaya. She lacks experience but in future she will surprise a lot of people.

“Her dedication is second to none, she’s a good listener and takes instructions. She works so hard.

“She has good footwork and fast hands for a girl of her age. She’s more skilful than many lads. Her hero is Muhammad Ali. Anaya is one of only two girls at my gym.”

Anaya added: “He’s made me a totally different person as he pushes me to my limits every single day. Every time I walk out of the gym, I’m better than when I’ve walked in."