A few weeks ago, I met new Featherweight to the female boxing scene while she was visiting Chicago.
While in the Midwest, Mathie ventured into the Northwest suburbs to Team Curran MMA in Crystal Lake for a little sparring with UFC’s Superstar Felice Herrig during her camp for her April 7th eliminator in Brooklyn, NY.
With Mathie’s height and weight, she fit the mold for a little sparring.
Craving more, Mathie later jumped in for a few more rounds with Welterweight pro boxer Sarah Curran.
Mathie presented skills and passion for something huge!
We caught up with Mathie to discuss the multiple careers of the aspiring champ.
Who is Avril Mathie?
That would be me, haha. I’m just an Aussie girl with a “make it happen” attitude chasing my dreams across the world. And thankfully I’ve had a lot of amazing people and opportunities come into my life to help keep the ball rolling. A couple of which include winning Miss Swimsuit USA international 2014 and then the $50,000 Las Vegas international model search late 2015 which basically got me my ticket to move to America for modelling… the place I knew I had to be to take my dream of being boxing world champ seriously.
What attracted you to boxing?
I used to do just Muay Thai just for fitness, until I broke my foot in training and couldn’t kick and throw knees, but I could still hobble around a bit. The coach I had at the time had been a boxer himself so he started teaching me more than just throwing combos for fitness, the tactical side and science of boxing, and that was when I became interested in fighting for the first time. I’ve always been athletic and extremely competitive at everything (not just sports), so the fact that I found something that challenged me in every way, physically, mentally, emotionally, I felt like I’d found my calling in life. Haha
Why boxing, of all sports?
For me it’s like the ultimate test. And every test, with every opponent, one day to the next, is different. Not only do you have to be insanely fit, you have to be insanely smart, and emotionally strong as well to stay calm under pressure. Other people can try to help you but essentially you can’t rely on anyone else. It’s just you and what you can do. I love that.
Who is Team Mathie?
My coach is Dino Spencer at the World Famous 5th St Gym in Miami. I also work with Pat White a bit at Tri-City Boxing gym up in Chicago who is awesome. Mike Cestone manages me from Chicago and even jumps in the ring with me sometimes too, crazy man, haha. I actually used to own a gym and be a personal trainer for 8 years in Australia so I have a pretty good knowledge of nutrition but Chris Algieri helps me with my million questions, especially when it comes to more performance-based info and the latest research. He’s been a really close friend of mine for a while so he’s a huge mentor to me especially with the business side of boxing. Then I have loads of other amazing coaches, fighters and sparring partners from all over the world that have worked with me and taught me things along the way in and out of the ring that have got me to where I am today. I’m definitely a hybrid of the boxing world haha.
“TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK #team5thstgym 💪🏽🥊
#boxingteam #boxinglife #fighters #5thstgym #miamiheat #thesweatlife #teamwork #boxing #miamibeach #southbeach #boxinggym #mondaymotivation #riseandgrind #trainhardfighteasy”
How is it training at the famous 5th Street Gym?
I love it there, it’s a great atmosphere. Being such a famous gym, it attracts people from all over the world including some very high level fighters. So I’ve been lucky enough to learn a lot from them and am always getting new work to keep me on my toes and improving fast.
Being a model, are you afraid of how boxing could affect that career?
Not really. It’s definitely motivation to be slick, have tight defense and be fast at moving haha. But actually boxing has only helped my modelling career. I actually book a lot of jobs BECAUSE I am a boxer, or even just an athlete, and they require a specialized skill set. And it keeps me in shape 24/7 so I’m always ready to work!!
How has your large social media following taken to your boxing career? What kind of feedback are you receiving?
Yes, for sure. People that have followed me for a while watched the whole thing unfold are always telling me how much it inspires them, whether they are comfortable what I do or not haha. And I feel like many people follow me now because I’m a boxer, it’s something different. For the most part all my followers are super supportive, and I very very rarely experience any negativity. It’s definitely motivating for me and I’m so grateful that I have so many people in my corner!
You made your debut in December. How was that feeling?
I was unsure how I was going to go with the whole “no head gear” thing. But I fast realized I actually prefer it. I can see better so I react faster and get hit less. Plus when I punch it has way more of an effect, which is satisfying haha.
You returned to Dominican Republic for your second pro match. How was that?
I had won by TKO before, but never had an actual knockout. So to win by knockout in 58 seconds against a much bigger opponent (over 17 fight veteran Mirna Elizabeth La Hoz on February 24, 2018) was very exciting for me. She wasn’t as skilled as me, but she was throwing big bombs and a lot of them that I had to be careful not to get hit with! I had to fight strategically and was very happy with how I pulled it off.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in boxing?
I’m going to be world champion, and I want to be one of the most exciting fighters to watch… that’s all I know haha. I struggle to plan next week let alone beyond that. I’ll get there first then see how I feel. Every day til then is just about the grind to get there. Ultimately I want to inspire other young girls, and just people in general, to just have a crack at whatever drives you in life regardless of whoever says you can or you can’t.
I met you at Team Curran MMA Gym in Chicago’s suburbs. You were sparring with UFC’s superstar Felice Herrig. Describe your feelings on that experience.
Felice and her team are great, it was a good spar! She had awesome aggression and power, so I had to make sure I really worked on not getting hit and respond dominantly to not be a push over. Always good to mix it up and get some different bodies in front of you, especially ones at that level that will pick out your mistakes. Helps you to learn fast!
That was boxing sparring session. Is there any aspirations of a mixed martial arts career?
Haha people always ask me this, but I don’t think so. One of the things really love about boxing is that all you have are your hands, so you have to be really smart and skilled. It’s not all about being an animal in the ring. Limited options = more brain power required.
Any words for fans, sponsors, supports?
I actually can’t believe how many people are as enthusiastic as me and supportive of what I’m doing. I have met so many incredible people in this sport and am just so grateful!! Thank you for helping me to be able to live my dream.
How can fans follow Avril Mathie in her boxing career?
I’m on Instagram @avrilmathie, and have just started a YouTube vlog mostly about my life as a boxer, just search my name and you’ll find me! AvrilMathie.com is my website with the latest news, fitness blogs and links to everything.
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Jay Kemp
Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has a knack for sports marketing. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777
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