KATIE Riddle had an extra bit of weight in her baggage back from Perth on Sunday after winning a gold medal at the Australian Elite Boxing Championships in Perth.

Riddle was seeded number one and with some late pull outs of the 48kg late, the 30-year-old had an express path to the final, where she faced fellow Victorian, Kayla Savi.

It went to a split decision, with the local happy to claim the gold medal, but knows there is still plenty of improvement left.

“It feels really good,” she said.

“I am very proud to get the gold, but wasn’t overly happy with my performance on the day.

“I think that is the perfectionist in me.

“I won every round, but the final score was 30-27 with four judges and one judge had 29-28 her way, so it was a split decision.”

Going into a national title bout added extra nerves, having sat in support of her Victorian teammates, including Donald Jones and Imogen McDonnell, who both lost their opening bouts.

It was a long build up and managing the expectations proved hard for Riddle.

“My nerves just got me, I wanted it so badly; I felt sick going into the ring,” she said.

“It is the most nervous I have ever felt, I knew I should win and I had that pressure on me.”

Facing a Victorian also proved to be a unique situation.

“I really like her and it is hard to want to hurt someone you like, but when the bell rings, you put that aside,” she said.

“I had a close fight last year and got silver at the nationals and after that, I set my mind on getting gold

“Everything we have done this year, going to Singapore and all the fights, have all been in preparation for winning this particular title.”

With a national title to her name, Riddle is considering an even bigger goal in future.

“Up until last year, my main goal was just to represent the state, so now I will have a break and see what happens next.

“The women’s world championships would maybe be something I would like to do, so to do that I would have to win the selection event.”

Riddle will now enjoy a bit of time away from training before resuming her sessions with coach, Ray ‘Mocka’ McIntosh.