Northampton’s world champion kickboxer Paige Gibson now has the law on her side after legal firm DFA Law stepped in to support her continued rise in the sport she loves.
Sixteen-year-old Paige started kickboxing just five years ago, encouraged by her father, Wayne, who is a keen martial arts fan. In May 2023, the Wootton Park School pupil won her first British title in the 15-17 age category and followed that up last October when she took the same age group title at the World Championships in Canada.
After winning her second British title in May, Paige is currently working hard to be ready to defend her world title in Greece in October – as well as preparing to go into Sixth Form to study for A levels with a view to joining the RAF.
“After my first competition, in 2021, when I failed badly because I wasn’t really ready physically or mentally, I trained hard non-stop for the next couple of years,” said Paige. “I have to travel to my club in Peterborough to train, and the rest of the time I use training kit and punch bags at home.
“I’ve had quite a few injuries over the past few years and the pressure is tough sometimes, but I love fighting and always go in there wanting to knock my opponent out. You don’t really remember anything about the fights, the adrenalin kicks in and that stops you feeling the hits until afterwards, and you just go for it. What I love is going into the ring knowing anything can happen, not knowing if you’re going to wake up on the floor, or stand there with your arm in the air.”
Without any financial help from within the sport, or from outside sources such as Lottery funding, Paige and her parents, Wayne and Louise, face challenges to keep up the training in order that she can continue her sporting dream – including hopes that kickboxing will be on the Olympic schedule by 2032.
There’s little opportunity to turn professional in the sport as yet, with only the very top level of male fighters able to take that step. Indeed, another Northamptonshire champion, boxer Chantelle Cameron, switched codes from kickboxing to boxing in order to pursue a professional career.
Paige added:
“If kickboxing is included in the 2032 or 2036 Olympics then I’d love to compete. Kickboxers tend to retire before they’re 35 because it’s so physical, but hopefully I’ll get my chance.”
Danny Roberts, Managing Partner at DFA Law, said:
“We were impressed by the drive and passion that Paige has to succeed, something not all teenagers have. And when we discovered there’s a world champion here in Northampton, something we can all be proud of, but who has no access to funding to help her in her sport, we just wanted to do anything we could to help.
“She’s representing England yet being asked to pay for every part of her kit, which doesn’t seem fair. So, we’ve offered to cover the cost of her kit and help with some of the other expenses that arise when you’re travelling the world to compete at the highest level of a sport.”
The offer of assistance to Paige is part of DFA Law’s ethos of getting involved in the local community. The firm also supports three grassroots football teams, as well as the Northampton Town FC Community Trust and Northamptonshire Health Charity (where one of the partners is a voluntary trustee); and helps charities such as Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Medical Detection Dogs where possible.
In addition, DFA Law has sponsored the English Team/Teacher of the Year category at the Northamptonshire Education Awards for the past three years, as well as sponsoring the Businesswoman of the Year category at this year’s Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.
Danny said:
“We are big believers in supporting and celebrating the education sector and we have close ties because a number of our team’s partners are involved in education.
“Last year, Wootton Park School took three awards, including Secondary School of the Year and Overall School of the Year, and it is great to see that they think outside of the box and support their stu- dents, like Paige, to achieve success away from the academic side.”
Another local firm, MRT Flooring in Northampton, spotted the news of DFA Law’s support on Paige’s Instagram account and stepped in to provide the money for the new boxing gloves she needed.
“As well as sponsoring Paige’s kit, we want to use our contacts in Northamptonshire to see if we can get a little bit more support for Paige,” said Danny. “It’s great news that MRT Flooring offered to help and if anyone else wants to support this fantastic local talent, they can do so by contacting me at DFA Law.”
Follow Paige’s progress on Instagram @paige.kickboxing
Any organisations that would like to help Paige should contact Danny Roberts on 01604 609560, email danny.roberts@dfalaw.co.uk or visit www.dfalaw.co.uk
