Featured image from Grace Fanhbulleh
Liberian-Canadian Grace Fanhbulleh made her national debut at Boxing Canada’s (BC) Elite Canadian Championships held in Brampton, Ontario on Feb. 2-5, 2023. As the official governing body for the sport, BC strives to encourage participation in Olympic style boxing in hopes to dominate internationally.
Competition weekend
According to BC’s Facebook, Fanhbulleh took to the ring in the Women’s Light Fly (50kg) and defeated Sarah Rigato on Feb. 3. Although she advanced to the final match on Feb. 4, Fanhbulleh lost the final fight against Anne Marcotte. Fanhbulleh took home the silver medal and is now ranked second in Canada.
Go Team Liberia caught up with Grace and asked a few questions. Read them below:
1. How and when did you get into boxing?
Fanhbulleh: I got into boxing in 2017. Before that I played basketball at the University of Winnipeg College.
2. Did you face any challenges along your boxing journey?
Fanhbulleh: I have faced a lot of setbacks, self doubt, fear and the passing of my mother. I never stopped pressing forward. I never stopped trusting God’s plan for me and also with the help of my sports psychologist, Dr. Jason Brooke, I was able to navigate my challenges and work past them.
3. What has been your most memorable moment?
Fanhbulleh: Being the silver medalist at the 2023 Canadian Nationals was a memorable moment and one I will never forget.
4. Do you have any goals you hope to accomplish in your boxing career?
Fanhbulleh: I hope to represent Liberia at the Olympics and at international tournaments, to become a role model for young girls and women in Liberia and lastly introduce boxing to more girls and women in Liberia; which gives them the chance to step out of their comfort zone and learn the importance of discipline.
5. What does this win mean to you?
Fanhbulleh: This win means a lot. It shows that I belong with the best and I am one of the best. The work doesn’t stop for me. I realized I need to work on some few things after studying both my fights.
6. Any advice for an up and coming boxer?
Fanhbulleh: My advice to up and coming boxers is to never ever give up, always trust God’s plan and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
To stay updated with Grace, follow her on Instagram at @gracefanhbulleh.