Haylee ‘Hannibal’ to bring the Payne in Royal Queensbury Championships

BY day she’s Haylee Payne, trust accountant and administrator for property group Empire Estate Agents in East Victoria Park.

But next Friday, she’ll slip on her boxing gloves and transform into Haylee “Hannibal” Payne, a fierce fighter determined to knock out her competitor in the Royal Queensbury Championship (RQC).

The charity boxing event pits 22 competitors – who have no prior boxing experience – against each other for three two minute rounds.

Prior to the final event, competitors, ranging from prominent business people to everyday workers, are taken through 12 weeks of intensive training in preparation.

While Riverton resident Ms Payne said she has done fitness boxing with a trainer for the past few years, she admitted she was a complete novice in the ring.

“I’m definitely a bit nervous, this is very much out of my comfort zone,” she said.

“I’ve had butterflies about it, and my emotions are just going up and down but I’m excited.

“We train six days a week for about an hour, and it’s pretty hard but I can definitely see a difference in myself now compared to when I started.”

Throughout the gruelling training schedule, boxers learn to work on technique and physical fitness in the group classes.

Ms Payne (28) said during the weeks of training she had ironically developed the strongest friendship to the woman she would face off against in the ring.

“It’s funny actually, the person I’m fighting – Rose Wilson – is the person I’ve become the closest with,” she said with a laugh.

“But I think as soon as we step into the ring, we’ll just be in the zone.

“I’m still hoping to win.”