By dominating her first professional fight for four rounds, in Orlando, on Friday, Tammara Thibeault made many eyes widen, but she kept both feet on the ground.
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“I have a lot of background in my sport [fiche de 51 victoires et 14 défaites chez les amateurs]but I’m definitely far from perfect. There are lots of things I need to learn,” she humbly admitted 72 hours later.
The former world, Commonwealth and Pan American champion quickly found that pro boxing was a spectacle. From the weigh-in, she faced a very talkative Natasha Spence.
“It’s part of the game. It’s still sport, there’s nothing personal. It’s a showmentioned Thibeault. […] I’m not interested in talking too much. I’m going to put my energy where I can have control, in the ring.
Tammara Thibeault (in white) hit the target 61 times against Natasha Spence.
Photo provided by MVP, Joseph Correa
No hurry
Hitting Spence 61 times, while only taking 14 shots, Thibeault did not miss his comeback. Which did not prevent some observers from deploring the fact that the 39-year-old Ontarian was classified as 10e WBA 160 lb contender, even though she hasn’t won since 2016.
“My opponent had almost 20 professional fights, while it was my professional debut,” recalled Thibeault.
The latter does not want to skip any steps before having a chance in the world championship.
“The big fights will come, but I can’t go faster than I have to. This is new to me, fighting without a helmet, with smaller gloves, longer fights [trois rounds chez les amateurs]. There are adjustments to be made. We’ll take the time it takes. I’m not in a hurry,” she said.
Influencer, promoter and boxer Jake Paul congratulated his new boxer Tammara Thibeault on Friday.
Photo provided by MVP, Joseph Correa
Between Quebec and England
Moreover, a shock on Canadian soil is planned for 2025 for Thibeault. In the meantime, the holder of a bachelor’s degree in urban studies at Concordia University will spend the holidays with family in Shawinigan before returning to England to pursue her master’s degree at the University of Sheffield, while continuing training.
“It’s a balance between sport and education and it’s part of the different facets of my personality. It’s difficult, it’s management, but I like it and it makes me feel good,” assured Thibeault.
