Rachel Bowes – a View on Boxing

In this month’s boxing column I have interviewed Rachel Bowes who has a strong passion for boxing and indeed has contributed a great deal to the sport over the years.

Rachel very kindly took the time to answer a series of questions about boxing, which includes her views on the sport and how her interest in the noble art first began.

Ralph Oates Where in Wales were you born? Rachel Bowes Cardiff, South Wales.

Ralph Oates When did you first become interested in boxing? Rachel Bowes I grew up with sport and was interested in boxing from a young age mainly because my Dad was a fan. I became more actively involved in 2012.

Ralph Oates I think I am right in saying you were the editor of a boxing Magazine. Rachel Bowes I own Bocsio Magazine and Fight Scene.

Ralph Oates Have you ever boxed? Rachel Bowes I love to train for boxing and have sparred.

Ralph Oates Have any members of your family ever boxed at any time? Rachel Bowes My Dad was a great fan of the sport, my cousin boxes, I have a niece and nephew who are involved in another martial art.

Ralph Oates Do you attend many boxing shows?

by Ralph Oates

Rachel Bowes I’ve been to so many boxing events, both amateur and professional…. It’s hard not to go when the passion is there.

Ralph Oates You very clearly enjoy the sport. Rachel Bowes I love the sport that has also helped me personally. I feel it will always be a big part of my life!

Ralph Oates Do you believe that boxing instils discipline and respect? Rachel Bowes Definitely! As people know many boxers have a story to tell from the grass roots up, and boxing compliments a healthy lifestyle, confidence, motivation and discipline, it’s also a great way to control anger.

Ralph Oates I assume that you have found boxers very polite. Rachel Bowes I have always found boxing athletes to be humble and respectful.

Ralph Oates Women’s boxing is really taking off at the moment and is really hitting the heights, do you have a favourite woman boxer? Rachel Bowes Claressa Shields. Her record speaks for itself, and she is entertaining to watch. Claressa is a respected figure in boxing whose career I believe started from a bet and continued through personal growth and self-realisations.

Ralph Oates Women’s world boxing contests are held over 10 rounds, and it’s been suggested by some that the rounds should be increased. Would you like to see the rounds increased to 12? Rachel Bowes Personally, I feel that if a woman is physically and mentally sound, it is their choice. But also, I under-stand there are processes, rules and regulation in place for good reason.

Ralph Oates There are a number of weight divisions in boxing. Which is your favourite weight division? Rachel Bowes Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight.

Ralph Oates Have you a favourite boxing movie? Rachel Bowes Yes, Creed which starred Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone.

Ralph Oates Who in your view is the best boxer to have emerged from Wales? Rachel Bowes Joe Calzaghe who of course retired from the sport undefeated in 46 professional fights. He had an incredible career, often proving a number of doubters wrong along the way.

Ralph Oates Who do you tip to become the next champion from Wales? Rachel Bowes I’m keeping my cards close to the chest on this one, there is so much talent in Welsh Boxing. Ralph Oates I understand that you are now a Mindset Coach. That sounds amazing, what does this entail? Rachel Bowes Mindset Coaching is another area I have accreditation and experience. I recognise the massive benefits of sport which compliments a strong physical lifestyle and mental strength and understand the emotional support that is also needed in the competitive world in which we live.

Ralph Oates What would you say was your mission? Rachel Bowes I would say that my mission is to add value and empower people to be the best they can be! Help men and women battling with their mind, who have taken a wrong path, to find clarity, and smash through challenges and re-claim their winning mindset!

Ralph Oates You must find this a very worthwhile and rewarding thing to be involved in? Rachel Bowes Without a doubt I do.

On behalf of the Cardiff Times I wish Rachel every success in her future endeavours.