DORSET boxer Ruby White isn't just here to take part, she's here to take over, writes Megan Armitage.

The 17-year-old was recently crowned - 48kg world champion at the inaugural U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado.

The championships marked World Boxing's first ever major tournament and by taking gold in the first final of the competition, White stormed into the history books as its inaugural world champion.

Defeating India’s Chanchal Chaudhary by disqualification in three rounds, it is a feat the teenager is still trying to get her head around.

"I am in the history books," she said. "I'm the first ever world champion for World Boxing it's amazing and I'm really happy to hold that title since there can only be one.

"I've always wanted to be a world champion and now it's happened.

"In England Boxing we have this catchphrase: 'We don't come to take part, we come to take over'.

"I started it off for the team and we had loads of wins after that as well."

Ruby started a golden rush for England boxing, with a further five victories that very night.

But her own final was one of controversy and drama, with the Dorset teenager forced to keep her head clear and calm as her opponent made things difficult in the ring.

"It hasn't quite hit me yet," she said. "The fight went well and I won the first round, the second round my opponent won but I was still up on the cards and the third round she got disqualified, so I won overall."

Ruby is known as the 'pocket rocket' of England Boxing after defying her small height and light weight to win numerous titles, including three European and five national crowns.

But the boxer is quick to note that they are titles she has scrupulously earnt, enduring 12-hour round trips from Dorset to Sheffield on the weekend to train at the best facilities.

"Funding my career and travel is probably my biggest challenge," she said. "I work full time to fund my travel up to Sheffield and since I live in Dorset it's a 12 hour round trip which I have to do each week.

"I'd say it shows my dedication as I want to travel to get the best training as I know it's going to make me better."

Ruby's recent achievements, including her history-making world championship victory, have led to her being shortlisted in the top 10 for SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award.

The annual Award, launched in 2006, recognises Britain’s brightest young sporting prospects and has previously been won by Olympic champions Tom Daley and Alex Yee and Paralympic gold medallist Hollie Arnold.

The top 10 athletes have been selected from around 1,000 rising stars, supported by SportsAid, across more than 60 different sports in 2024.

Ruby has been provided with crucial financial support by SportsAid over the last two years – with the charity also offering personal development opportunities through workshops and visits.

She added: "Without the sponsorship I've been getting from SportsAid, I wouldn't be able to travel up to Sheffield every weekend.

"The train tickets are £120 each week, and then the kit is expensive as well so it's helped me a lot."

SportsAid’s annual One-to-Watch Award is being supported by Aldi – the charity’s Official Supermarket Partner.

The winner of this year’s Award will be revealed in December with each of the top 10 receiving cash boosts and special in-person visits at their training environments to celebrate their achievements.