With the introduction of women’s boxing into the 30th Olympics in London, 2012, the current Australian under 60 kg Champion, Claire Ghabrial, has a great chance of a podium finish in the inaugural female boxing division.
Claire was born in Melbourne to Egyptian parents. At age 12, a classmate invited her to a karate class that her father ran. Approximately seven years on and after gaining a black belt Claire switched to kickboxing where she established an impressive five win and two losses from her seven bouts before finally moving into the boxing ring. It was at the 2003 Oceania Championships that she met fellow female boxer Erin McGowan who asked Claire to come to Perth to train there. Claire quickly fell in love with the Perth lifestyle, and with more female boxers to train and spar with, she decided to stay. She quickly made her mark, gaining 10 straight wins with no losses before having a three year lay-off from all sports.
Claire returned to her beloved boxing in 2008 and qualified for the world championships, held in China. Winning her first fight against the European silver medallist from Poland, Claire suffered her first loss to the Korean champion. In mid 2009 she went on a boxing pilgrimage to Russia and Canada to gain some international experience, working with many different coaches and a world champion to hone her skills in preparation for 2012. “Unfortunately, there are not too many women boxers in Australia but it’s a growing sport overseas,” states Claire.
“Weight training is an important part of my boxing. I use it to increase my strength and explosive power,” commented Claire, after lying on a fit ball clasping onto 10 kg dumbbells and driving up punches with all the speed and control of a seasoned pro. Boxing training normally consists of the following, with between 5 to 6 sessions per week:
Runs – anywhere from 4 to 8 km
Sprints – either suicides or 60 m to 100 m
Sparing – 2 to 3 sessions per week. These are approximately 10 x 3 minute rounds, drills, 4 to 6 rounds freestyle
Bag work – 4 to 8 x 3 minute rounds
Skipping – 1 x 3 minutes, to finish up
Of course, coming into a fight the preparation is ramped up!
Claire is coached by Ruben Sanchez out of the Cuban Boxing Club in Perth. She has her own personal training business, Glove Up, which works out of Live Fitness in Northbridge. Glove Up runs very successful outdoor boxing boot camps during the summer months which cater for all levels of fitness. Coming into her last fight Claire started working with local bodybuilder Christian Gee for her diet and supplement needs, a move she is now seeing rewarded.
“After working with Christian I have seen my body change shape, I recover quicker and have loads more energy!” Claire said with a gleeful smile.
This fun-loving, bubbly girl has a great future in women’s boxing and hopes more women get involved. “It’s an awesome way to get and stay fit,” states Claire. “We need more women to enter and grow our sport.”
To become successful at any sport you need a great support network and Claire has far too many to thank but wanted to make mention of two who have helped her journey the most: Paul Tonich from Altitude Real Estate and Paul Stockden from KC Sports for her Everlast equipment. M&F
If you would like to support a future Olympian please contact Claire at: glove_up@hotmail.com or visit www.claireghabrial.com.au
Claire’s Impressive Fight History
20 fights – 18 wins and 2 losses
2009 - WA Female Boxer of the Year
2009 - Australian Champion
2009 - State Champion
2008 - World Championship, China
2008 - Australian Champion
2008 - State Champion
2005 - Australian Champion
2005 - State Champion
2004 - Australian Champion
2004 - State Champion
2004 - Oceania Champion
2004 - WA Female Boxer of the Year
2004 - WA Sports Woman of the Year nominee
2003 - Oceania Champion
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