Member Article

Leeds law firm assistant to fight for Thai boxing title

A secretarial assistant from the Leeds office of national law firm, Mills & Reeve, is balancing her busy work life with a dream of becoming the British female Thai boxing champion.

Twenty-three year old, Yorkshire-born, Kate Stables juggles a demanding athletic career with the job of a fulltime secretarial assistant at Mills & Reeve and is currently waiting to fight former world champion Christi Campbell for the chance at the British title. Kate trains more than 15 hours a week, hitting the gym at 5.30pm when she finishes work, until 8pm every weeknight. Even at the weekend, Kate’s gruelling regime continues with training on Saturday mornings.

Originally from Pontefract and now living in Leeds, Kate has been fighting professionally for three years, having taken up the sport when she was just 16 years old as part of an exercise class.

The young teenager discovered a natural aptitude for the Thai martial art and has since travelled to the other side of the world to compete; last year she fought the Australian and world champion on Aussie soil and has twice visited Thailand to train at traditional Thai boxing gyms.

Earlier this year, Kate took on Ruth Ashdown for the International Super Flyweight Title. Unfortunately the Leeds legal assistant was defeated by the UK number one in a split decision, the closest possible result besides a draw.

Kate said: “It was disappointing to lose to Ruth, naturally, but she is a weight class or two above me and has been at the top of her game for many years, so to take it to a split decision is a fantastic achievement.

“Since that defeat, I’ve trained harder, working on my fitness and agility. This time I think I’m ready to bring the title to Leeds and will certainly be showing it off around the Mills & Reeve offices.

“My colleagues are supportive of my sporting ambitions and achievements. Everyone always asks about my upcoming fights and wishes me well.”

Partner and Head of Mills & Reeve’s Leeds office, Philip Way, said: “Kate is an exceptionally talented Thai boxer and a very successful legal assistant. I never fail to be amazed at the breadth of talent across the Mills & Reeve offices – both in and outside of our working lives.

“We’re supporting Kate all the way and can’t wait to watch her bring the British title home to Leeds – perhaps she can be the new face of our dispute resolution team!”

Kate is hoping her title bout with Christi will be organised within the next couple of months.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mills & Reeve, Leeds .