OFF TO INDIA
Stephanie heads for Worlds – after nearly quitting boxing
Cleland Miners boxing star Stephanie Kernachan insists she is ready to make history for Scotland – despite nearly walking away from the ring altogether this year.
Stephanie has been picked as one of three Scottish boxers to become the first female representatives for the country at the World Elite Championships in New Delhi next month.
And the trailblazing 26- year- old can’t wait to make history alongside Vicky Glover and Megan Reid, despite nearly giving up her gloves after missing out on a Commonwealth Games slot earlier this year.
Delighted Stephanie told the Wishaw Press: “This is the first time Scotland have sent female boxers to the Elite Worlds and I‘m just absolutely buzzing for it.
“There was a wee bit of talk about it in camp after they sent the three of us to Bulgaria earlier this year.
“From those performances and ones at the High Performance Centre in Bridgeton, they’ve decided we can do the business over in India.
“I was gutted to miss out on the Commonwealth Games after not making the weight.
“I was so close to giving it all up and walking away.
“This makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Stephanie has had an excellent year in the ring, winning the Scottish championships and narrowly missing out on the British title via a split decision.
She also performed well at the Balkans Female Tournament in Bulgaria earlier this month, winning her opening bout before missing out in the next round on points.
She insists she owes her selection and success to her coaches at Cleland for keeping her on the right track.
She said: “My personal coach Stevie Newns Snr and club coach Ronnie Blackwood have always kept me going.
“When I was close to quitting Stevie supported me, as he has done throughout my boxing career, both inside and outside the ring.
“I’ve moved to 51kg flyweight which is different but I’ve quickly adapted.
“I’m fighting taller girls now with longer reach but I’ve got the power that can hurt smaller fighters.”
Stephanie is now in training and is looking forward to representing her country when the tournament kicks off on November 15.
She added: “It’s an honour to box for Scotland.
“We’ve been able to show that women’s boxing is improving and women can compete anywhere, at any level.
“If I can win here who knows what the future holds.”
Stephanie is looking for sponsorship for her trip to New Dehli and her career in the future.
Anyone interested should contact Cleland Miners Boxing Club.