A Bolton boxer’s gym has wished her luck ahead of a quarter-final Olympic boxing bout against France’s Davina Michel today.

Cindy Ngamba is competing for the Refugee Olympic Team in the women’s 75kg category.

She beat Canada’s Tammara Thibeault in the North Paris Arena after a 3-2 split decision on Wednesday, July 31, to make it to the last eight in the competition.

For the past two years, Cindy has been training with the GB Boxing squad in Sheffield, and had been hoping to represent Great Britain in Paris.

However, as she is not a UK citizen she cannot fight for Team GB – so she is fighting for the Refugee Olympic Team under the Olympic flag – and was even a flagbearer for the team at the opening ceremony.

Cindy Ngamba reacts after winning against Canada's Tammara Thibeault during the Women's 75kg Round of 16 bout at the North Paris ArenaCindy Ngamba reacts after winning against Canada's Tammara Thibeault during the Women's 75kg Round of 16 bout at the North Paris Arena (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest stories sent straight to your inbox.

Now, Cindy – who arrived in the UK from her native Cameroon at the age of 11 – is hoping to become the first athlete to win a medal for the team, which was originally established in the 2016 games.

She started boxing aged 15, training at the Elite Gym in Halliwell.

Elite’s owner, Alex Matvienko, said: “We have all known how great she is, but it’s special seeing her perform on the world stage – especially when we weren’t sure if it was ever going to be possible – thankfully, it is because of the Refugee Team.”

Faran Green, a young boxer at Elite, said: “C’mon Cindy I’m so proud you have made it so far.

“You are the biggest inspiration I have ever had. I’ve never had a bigger opportunity than to train with the future gold medallist.

“I wish to be like you in the future and be winning the Olympics.”

Cindy Ngamba with Faran Green – who said he wishes to be like her in the futureCindy Ngamba with Faran Green – who said he wishes to be like her in the future (Image: Elite Boxing)

Follow The Bolton News on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.

Elite Boxing coach, Gemma Sing, said: “We're all behind you Cindy!! Bringing home that gold medal soon.”

Sam Akinsete, boxer and coach at Elite, also wished the boxer luck, adding: “Cindy is such a humble person who has been through a lot. I’m super proud of what she has achieved so far.

“She really does have some serious skills – we did 10 rounds of sparring before she left and, my goodness, she showed me levels.

“Such a hard worker and I wish nothing but the best for her. God bless.”

Cindy Ngamba’s next bout will take place on Sunday, August 4 at 3.02pm UK time.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.

This article was updated to change 'former gym' to 'gym'.