(OCT 26)
Recently, I had
the opportunity to speak with rising Canadian Flyweight prospect
Amanda “Lionheart” Beaudin, (1-1, 1KO) of Hamilton,
Ontario, about her big upcoming bout against fellow Ontario
boxer Kara McLeod (3-1) at “The Return of the Gladiators”
on Saturday November 3rd at Bingemans Marshall Hall in
Kitchener, Ontario.
Photo credit: Alex Combs
Beaudin had a
very successful amateur career in Ontario and is eager to show
all her hard work, preparation and talent in the ring. She has
backed up her fight anyone at anytime attitude as she knocked
out a former Provincial amateur champion in her pro debut and
then fought a former Canadian National amateur champion in her
second fight. In addition, Beaudin has demonstrated this
dedication and tenacity by competing in fitness competitions as
well.
Throughout
this interview you will see that this well spoken security guard
has a ferocious side and that there is no doubt that she truly
does possess the courageous virtues to earn the nickname
Lionheart.
Rick McLean:
How has training been going for your upcoming match with Kara
McLeod on November 3rd in Kitchener, Ontario?
Amanda Beaudin:
Training has been fantastic. I am very faithful to my training
regiment and dedicate the time needed to prepare for any fight.
McLean: What do you know about Kara?
Beaudin: She is a skilled technical fighter. I remember
when I first started boxing she was open class fighting on a
show. I expect her to be tough and expect a good fight.
McLean: You are coming off a tough loss to
Jacqui Park, a former Canadian national amateur champion.
What are your thoughts on that fight and what did you learn from
it that you can apply to your match with McLeod?
Beaudin: I felt Jacqui Park was worthy to lose to. She
was a boxer…a real good one. Do I ever want to lose again? No,
that was my first loss and must I say you definitely appreciate
your wins more.
McLean: What are your goals for 2013?
Beaudin: I want to have multiple fights in 2013. As soon
as an offer comes in for a bout, I won’t hesitate to say yes. I
want to keep going things going and a Canadian title would be
amazing and then work my way to a World title.
McLean: Is there any boxers out there that you
would like to match up with in 2013?
Beaudin:
I would like to re match Park and get a win from that. Any
Flyweight fight negotiable I will take without a doubt. The hard
part is just finding an opponent. If I could fight every month I
would.
McLean: Let’s talk a little about your
background. What got you into boxing?
Beaudin: I had a free boxing demo given to me on the
first week of high school. I got suspended from school for
punching a guy in the face due to inappropriate behaviour. Now I
want to thank him for where this has taken me.
McLean: What are some of your interests away from
the ring?
Beaudin: I love doing projects to my home. I have a
German Shepherd that I enjoy training and taking her to the
park. I love going for coffee with my mom, patios (no alcohol
LOL) plus I have a fascination with lions and Africa. As far as
school and work, I took police foundations and currently work at
the steel company Arcelor Mittal Dofasco working security.
McLean: Is there anybody out there you would like
to give special thanks or recognition to?
Beaudin:
Thank you to Brodie Boone who moulded me as a fighter physically
and mentally, driving me to all the fights when I was younger,
taking the time to fix mistakes and showing effort in getting me
fights. He never doubted me when others did. I could not ask for
a better coach. Thank you to all the friends and family who come
out to support me by showing up to the fights! I never forget
faces.
McLean:
Thank you so much for doing this interview and best of luck to
you in Kitchener on November third.
“The Return of
the Gladiators” is the first professional boxing event promoted
by former #1 ranked Super middleweight Syd Vanderpool, and will
take place on November 3rd at Bingemans Marshall Hall. This is
the first professional boxing event held in Kitchener in over 20
years and the last event held there saw former undisputed
Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis fight on the card.
WBAN
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