Beaver Bank boxer throwing golden punches

Renae Cowal poses with her gold medal. (Submitted photo)

BEAVER BANK: A female boxer from Beaver Bank showcased why she’s a provincial and national champion in a recent match before home fans.

Renae Cowal started boxing at age 11 and set a goal to become a provincial and national champion. In early 2019 she returned home from a competition with the title as a national champion.

In the recent match against fellow Beaver Banker and Citadel Boxing’s Sierra Eshouzadeh, Cowal was able to pick up the victory. She fights out of the Tribal Boxing Club in Dartmouth headed up by Bridget Stevens.

“Sierra had a lot more experience than me and a bit heavier, but I gained the win which made all my sacrifices like training instead of partying with friends and stuff worth it,” said Cowal, a Lockview High student.

Stevens is a well known world class coach and trains amateurs, professional boxers and UFC fighters. That resume alone would seem to make her a tough cookie—and that’s just fine with Cowal.

“She’s a tough coach, she taught me to be physically and mentally stronger, she treats all her students the same and doesn’t pick favorites,” said Cowal. “The gym is a very positive environment and safe space for everyone. Bridget is like a second Mom to me and the club is my boxing family.”

Cowal had a message for other young girls out there.

“I want them to know that you can overcome obstacles in your life by believing in yourself and always being your personal best, not someone else’s best but your best,” she said. “Never say you can’t do something and never let anyone tell you that you can’t.”