Hunter boxer Emma-Sue Greentree hopes her recent good form in the ring flows through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 27-year-old pugilist, who’s expected to lead the Australian charge in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, captured silver in the 75kg division at the 77th International Tournament, Strandja, in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the weekend.
It comes after she prevailed in the final, in the same weight class, of the World Boxing Cup in Greater Noida, India, in November.
On that occasion, Greentree was far too good for her Italian opponent Melissa Gemini, shutting her out for a 5:0 triumph, adding another victory to her World Championships bronze medals in 2023 (light heavyweight) and 2025.
Talented Hunter boxer Emma-Sue Greentree. Image: NSWIS
“I’m thrilled,” the two-time national champion said.
“I mean, making the (Strandja) final at 75kg is massive for me because I contested my first international tournament here three years ago… in the weight class above.
“I got the win [back] then.
“So, to make the finals (in the 75kg weight) was huge.
“Obviously, I want to get as many golds as I can this year in the World Cups and everything.
“The Commonwealth Games is fast approaching… and I would love nothing more than to be on top of that podium, too.”
It’s a superb accomplishment for Greentree, who balances her rising career and Type 1 diabetes.
She was diagnosed with the chronic disease at the tender age of nine.
At the time, the gifted fighter thought her sporting days were over.
However, a doctor at John Hunter Hospital reassured her it wouldn’t come to an end, showing her newspaper clippings of comparable athletes to spark inspiration.
It worked, too.
After dabbling in heptathlons, union and league, Greentree’s finally found her calling with the gloves on.
And, it appears to be the right decision.
She won her first Australian crown, as a light heavyweight, in 2023, before backing up 12 months later with a triumph as a middleweight.
In September 2024, Greentree made her professional debut, defeating Stephanie Mfongwot in a six-round contest in a completely dominant performance.
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