A DETERMINED Greenock schoolgirl who has autism and Tourette's is boxing clever as she prepares for the fight of her life.

Inspirational 12-year-old Maddison Mitchell lacked confidence and found it difficult to cope in big and noisy places.

But the hard-working Notre Dame High pupil fought back from adversity by taking up Muay Thai - one of the toughest martial arts in the world.

Now she is preparing to step into the ring at Greenock Town Hall to battle it out for a British title.

Maddison of Hillside Road, said: "I have got a really big fight in March against a girl from Aberdeen.

"I'm so excited as I've not fought in quite a while.

"I'm really excited to get back to it again.

"I am training six days a week and I just want to show people they can do whatever they want if they put their minds to it."

The young warrior - who known as 'Maddie the Baddie' when she competes - was eight years old when she first tried out Muay Thai at the Assassins Gym in Greenock before she started training with the Griphouse MMA gym in Glasgow.

She says the combat sport has completely changed her world.

She has since picked up several titles and was also named the Telegraph's Youth Community Champion of the Year in 2018.

Her proud parents Serena and Barry are thrilled by the progress she is making.

Barry said: "We are over-the-moon to see Maddison doing what she is.

"We have seen a massive difference in her since she started training.

"It has changed her completely, she has so much more confidence now.

"The title fight is something Maddison has been hoping for, she has been working towards this for ages.

"We're absolutely buzzing for it."

Maddison will be going for the title at the 'Rumble on the Clyde' event organised by Colosseum Martial Arts & Fitness Gym.

It is on Saturday March 14 at Greenock Town Hall.

Tickets are available by contacting Maddison's dad Barry via Facebook.