Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need - a philosophy Watford boxer Shannon Courtenay has certainly been living by this year.

Less than a year after moving to Hoddesdon Boxing Academy, the 22-year-old rising star says she has re-found her ‘enjoyment’ of fighting following another new start at Islington Boxing Club.

Courtenay may have the most crucial year of her career ahead of her with plans afoot to turn professional by the end of 2017, and is going about her business in the best way possible - splitting her time between rejuvinating Islington and a professional boxing gym in London.

“I just wasn’t happy at Hoddesdon at all,” she said. “It’s a great club but it just didn’t feel right for me and I wasn’t getting any female sparring.

“That was good to be in there sparring against men, but you need both. It’s further for me to travel now, but to get to the top I have to make these sacrifices.

“After I came back from winning in Sweden at the end of last year, when I had to go back into training, I realised how much I wasn’t enjoying boxing like I used to.

“I left and began training at a professional gym, and someone spoke to Islington and they told them to bring me down - I’m there three nights a week and getting the best of both worlds by still training the the pros too.”

It has been a pretty momentous rise for Courtenay since she first stepped through the ropes in 2014, and her determination has been complemented by undeniable ability, which earned her the Southern Area title last year.

“I’ve been offered a couple of professional contracts,” she revealed. “I’ve turned them down though, because I don’t think I’m ready - but I’m in a pro gym, so I’m learning the ropes slowly but surely.

“It could be at the end of this year, or the start of next year, but the way I fight is suited to the professional circuit more than the amateur one.”

Courtenay’s next fight will be at the Royal National Hotel on May 12, but her opponent is yet to be confirmed.