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Geraldton boxer Suzie O’Leary says motherhood is good fight prep ahead of debut bout

Reuben CarderGeraldton Guardian
Suzie O'Leary in the ring.
Camera IconSuzie O'Leary in the ring. Credit: Geraldton Guardian

A 40-year-old mother who’s about to have her first competitive boxing match says she hopes to inspire more women to put on the gloves.

Suzie O’Leary, who used to work in an office job, said her journey had taken her from feeling physically unfit to brimming with confidence and ready to take on the world.

“I’m just really stoked I can get out there,” O’Leary said. “If it encourages other women to make the decision to step into the gym and give that thing they’ve been wanting to try a go, then I’m happy.

Suzie O'Leary and trainer Jake Peacock spar in the ring.
Camera IconSuzie O'Leary and trainer Jake Peacock spar in the ring. Credit: Geraldton Guardian

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“Even if they don’t want to fight competitively, just getting in there, they will feel so much better.”

O’Leary said she had been through difficult times with her health while becoming a mother, but those struggles had helped prepare for getting into the ring. Having a caesarean section was probably worse than taking a hit in a fight, she said, “because you can’t get straight back up again”.

“For six weeks you can’t do anything,” she said.

“I could barely get out of bed.

“If you get punched in the face in the ring you have a split second where you’re disorientated, but you bounce back up again.

Suzie O'Leary and trainer Jake Peacock spar in the ring.
Camera IconSuzie O'Leary and trainer Jake Peacock spar in the ring. Credit: Geraldton Guardian

“Although I have to admit, (for a C-section) the hospital gives you drugs.”

O’Leary is now completing qualifications in women’s nutrition and said she hoped to lead women’s boxing classes.

Coach Jake Peacock, who will be in O’Leary’s corner for the fight, praised her dedication and her will to battle.

“She’s a winner, no matter what,” Peacock said.

O’Leary will fight in the 63kg masters novice division for Peacock’s team against Jennie Barratt at the Croatian Club in Fremantle on Sunday.

WA Novice Welterweight titleholder Faycal Mechiche will fight Harvey Atkins in a 75kg bout.

Talented junior Frauke Rawlings will fight in the 60kg class.

Peacock said he was planning to host State regional championships in Geraldton in November.

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