Meet the Anthony Joshua ring girls – from ‘Queen of Europe’ to ex-Miss Swimsuit

  • Bookmark

    • Offbeat news from the world of sport

    We have more newsletters

    Antony Joshua will step back into the ring on Saturday evening as he looks to start a new chapter in his career, following back-to-back defeats from Oleksandr Usyk.

    Usyk dethroned Joshua before he retained his crown by outclassing the Brit in the rematch. And Joshua is now looking to bounce back with a win over American Joshua Franklin.

    However, as all eyes will be focussed on the main event, there are four stars at ringside who could steal the show at the O2 in London. And ahead of the bout, Daily Star Sport are having a closer look at the ring girls for the occasion

    Alissa King-Underwood

    Alissa King-Underwood has been a ring girl for over six years, and speaking to Daily Star Sport she remembered how she used to watch AJ fights at 5am in bed. The stunning blonde added: "I used to dream about ring girling events like this!"

    She also admitted that Joshua was her favourite fighter when she was younger – but she has to "give props to my favourite female fighters Ebanie Bridges and Skye Nicolson too, both not just great fighters but beautiful inside and out."

    And when asked about ring girls, Alissa said: "I like to think ring girls will always be a part of boxing! A couple of shows ago a young girl asked for a picture with us and said it was her dream job to be a ring girl, it really resonated with me because it was my dream job too!"

    As for Saturday night, Alissa thinks it's about time the world started to cheer for the former Olympian once more. "I think it’s time the world started cheering for AJ again, there’s still so much to come from him," she said.

    "The sad thing about boxing is when you lose people think you’ve lost all your credibility and are so quick to jump ship, I’m hoping for a big win for AJ and many more big fights to come!"

    What do you think of the ring girls who will bring the glam to the event? Let us know in the comments section

    Teiha Kristen

    Self-proclaimed fitness fanatic Teiha Kristen can't wait for the atmosphere on Saturday evening. She said: "So many of the fighters put their all into the fights and it’s so fun to watch."

    However, when it comes to a winner, the experienced ring girl can only see one outcome – Anthony Joshua. She continued: "Jermaine Franklin has lost once before, will this be his second? I’m thinking this will be AJ’s comeback!"

    Teiha is an experienced ring girl – and she added: "It’s been a tricky few years with covid and setbacks with ring girls, it’s just so nice to be back and have the appreciation."

    "I have been a ring girl for the last five years. It’s always been a joy for me! I’ve witnessed some insane knock outs as well, especially in the Supershowdown Muay Thai. I think that nothing in the past can compare to Saturday, the scale is another level! The skill level I’m sure will be out of this world and I’m certain both fighters will put up a serious fight!"

    Chloe Ellman-Baker

    Chloe Ellman-Baker is the better half of Harlequins rugby star Dino Lamb – and she dubs herself the 'Queen of Europe'. Chloe can't wait to "feel the energy and buzz of the crowd as we all come together to witness a historic night of boxing".

    And Chloe is looking to turn heads herself: "As a beauty queen and fashion model, I relish the opportunity to showcase my confidence and presence in the ring. I'm ready to bring my A-game and show the world what a driven and intelligent woman can bring to the sport of boxing."

    As for the big night itself, Chloe is nervous but excited, too. "I won't lie, I'm feeling a mix of nerves and excitement for this fight. It's a huge event and the crowd is going to be wild," she adds.

    "Plus, the fact that millions of people will be tuning in on TV definitely adds to the pressure. But you know what they say, pressure makes diamonds – or in my case, a top-notch ring girl. And hey, I even made sure to set up my mum with DAZN so she can watch me from home! So let's do this, nerves and all. I'm ready to show everyone what I'm made of."

    Megan Christie

    Megan Christie is also a title holder, and her stunning figure helped her claim the Miss Swimsuit UK crown. Megan has also won Miss Cambridgeshire, twice, and she's engaged to former football Bobby Copping.

    The stunning blonde is also gunning for a Joshua victory on Saturday evening, and she has AJ winning via KO in either the fifth or the sixth round. Megan joked that one of her best memories was when she was "in the ring singing and dancing to Sweet Caroline with the crowd going crazy."

    Speaking about what it's like being a ring girl, she said: "It’s just the most amazing job. It’s so much fun. I love all the girls I work with and the team at Matchroom are amazing to. :We get to travel up and down the country and we get to sit ring side for big fights – what’s not to love?"

    But what does she think about Joshua's chances on Saturday night? Well…Megan hopes the main event of the evening could be over rather quickly indeed. "Joshua round 5 or 6 knock out," she told us when asked for a big fight prediction.

    READ NEXT:

    • 'If I had to give Anthony Joshua one piece of advice – it'd be get laid before fighting'

    • 'I took two years out of boxing because of bankruptcy – now I'm fighting Anthony Joshua'

    • Jermaine Franklin was working 12-hour days for roofing company only last year

    • Anthony Joshua
    • Boxing
    • Exclusives

    Source: Read Full Article