The Hardest Path

Cherrelle Brown tells John Dennen about her remarkable progress through the sport.

- John Dennen

WE know how hard it is for boxers on the small hall circuit. It’s a long road to reach title fights and further still to draw in good paydays. But it is even harder for a female boxer.

“People may still not know who I am,” Cherrelle Brown, who speaks quietly and smiles broadly, tells Boxing News. “But the person who doesn’t have what you have, they want it the most. The person who’s gone through the harder route, they want it the most. So if you’re going to place a bet, put your money on me. Because I’m not just fighting for me, I’m fighting for a whole lot more. And that’s why I’m going to win.”

Brown has amassed a 6-0 record boxing at York Hall in Bethnal Green as a professional. Her most recent contest was a unanimous decision win over Kirstie Bavington to win a WBC International super-lightweight title. Those sort of belts might not command much respect in the wider boxing world, but for Brown it will prove vital. She needs it and she needs the ranking that comes with it to secure more meaningful fights.

“Winning that was amazing because it’s taken a long time to get to that point where opponents want to find me. So honestly, I’ll take my hat off to Kirstie,” Cherrelle said. “She came to fight and you have to admire that someone who’s willing to take that risk.”