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HEATHER HUTCHINS: "BOXING IS MY RELEASE"
Photos and Report By Jesse Kelley
March 11th, 2010

34 year old Heather Hutchins will be making her pro boxing debut this Friday at the Palace Banquet Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Hutchins will be traveling with new trainer John Hoffman and "The Swinging Swede" Matt Anderson (6-4, 5 KO's) , who will be facing James Cermak (15-2, 11 KO's) as well on the card.
For Hutchins, the bout in Canada is more then just a fight. She says that it is the final step in a long time dream she has had since first putting on a pair of gloves. The single mother with three children tasted national success as an amateur but drifted away from boxing before the chance to fight professionally could present itself. Now, Hutchins has re-lit the flame that life's priorities had once extinguished. Although uncertain of what her future holds in the professional ranks after this bout, Hutchins promises that everything will be left in the ring this Friday night against Canada's Venessa Bradford. Minnesotaboxing.com sat down with Hutchins earlier this week to learn about her boxing background and more. Here is what Hutchins had to say...

How did you get into boxing?
I was in my young twenties and looking to lose weight after my second child. I was in the police reserves at the time and knew a girl there that took kickboxing classes. I did a lot of sparring and really started to like the boxing side a little more than the kickboxing. I was always punching more then I was kicking anyways.

Did you fight mostly in Minnesota?
Pretty much. A little in Wisconsin. I also went to Nationals once.

You stick Nationals in there like it isn't a big deal! That is a pretty big accomplishment. Let's talk about the experience of fighting at Nationals.
Around 2005-2006 I was the best in the Region so was able to advance to Nationals a couple years in a row. I was able to get the money together to be able to go and ended up placing third.

It was around that time that I stopped seeing you on boxing cards. Was it after Nationals that you got away from boxing?
Nationals was really the last time I had fought for a while. I had other things going on outside of the ring, a baby, and I just had to take care of the priorities that came first for me. I just got to the point where I realized there were always going to be problems but I am learning how to handle life better now. Between taking care of the kids, the full time job, and boxing. I just had to fit boxing back in there though. It's my release, my therapy and something I had to get back into.

What does fighting as a pro mean to you now especially after a long absence from boxing after having that kind of success?
It is like a dream come true. I just want to do my best. It's something I have to do at least once. It has always been my dream. In my last TV interview I always said I was going to go to Nationals. Then I looked right into the camera and made a promise. I said "You will see me in the professional boxing circuit someday."

What are you goals then as a professional? Is this something you hope to make a career of or is it a one time thing?
I always take things one step at a time. I wanted to do as good as I could in the amateurs. I wanted to go to Nationals and then I wanted to go pro. After this fight we will see what is next for me.

Do you know anything about your opponent?
I know her name (laughing)! That is about it. I think she has about as much amateur experience as me. This will be her pro debut as well so we will see.

You will be heading up to Canada along with Heavyweight Matt Anderson and John Hoffman. Is John your trainer?
Yeah, John is great. I started working with John when I first came back to boxing after being away for a few years. He has improved my technique in a lot of ways.

Anything you would like to add?
I am going pro despite all the obstacles and people and circumstances that have tried to get in my way. I wouldn't be as far as I am if it wasn't for so many others though that have helped me along the way. They know who they are but there are just too many to list.

 

 

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