Badry hopes to raise awareness of women's boxing

Brandy Badry is an enthusiastic ambassador for the sport of women's boxing.

"It means so much to me to help extinguish the stereotypes  that are out there about most female boxers and any age limitations in athletics," said the former Camrose resident and single mother.

"I would love to be able to motivate other females to join the sport."

Badry made her professional boxing debut two years ago at the age of 35, thereby proving that, in the world of boxing, age is just a number.

Her next professional fight will be at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton September 14.

"It's going to be very exciting to fight in front of my city, in front of all who have supported me and the boxers who have inspired me to get better, along with those more novice boxers whom I may inspire to try boxing," she said. "I want to make proud all who have supported me and have given so much of themselves for my dreams."

Badry's boxing journey began in 2002 when she took a fitness boxing class at the gym she attended for her workouts. Her instructor noticed her natural abilities and convinced her to consider joining a real boxing gym, where she would learn to fight competitively.

"When I started boxing I knew nothing about it," she said.

Badry still remembers the adrenaline rush that came when she stepped into the ring for her first sanctioned bout as an amateur in 2003.

"It was a feeling like nothing I ever experienced before," she said. "I won that bout and found I loved the intensity of the competition."

Badry was the best in her weight class (57 kilos) at the 2009 Canadian Nationals in Trois Rivieres, Quebec.

"I have achieved milestones at an accelerated pace at a much older age than most competitors," said Badry. "Most of the women I have fought are much younger and have had a lot more experience than myself."

Badry credits her success to a strong work ethic, a belief in herself, and good coaching.

"I am diligent and have the determination to succeed," she said. "Boxing reflects my personality and when I am boxing I am content and fulfilled. It has made me confident in my daily life. I have become strong in everything I do, no matter how difficult it is – I have to try hard and never give up.

"I never thought that my life's journey would lead me to boxing, but rather, my journey in boxing began when it found me. It has become the second most important thing in my life. It is my oxygen!"

Anyone who wanting free tickets to Badry's September 14 bout is encouraged to contact her by phone at 780-990-9363, or email at livetobox@hotmail.com.