Charlie Cavanagh | Expand your Horizons
What got you started in boxing?
I had a friend who was in boxing. She got me to come try it out and I really liked it. My dad, who used to be a coach, started coming back to the boxing club. Now it has become something we can do together. I had done judo for a few years prior to that so I had previous experience in martial arts.
How do you find time to balance school and boxing?
I don't have a whole lot of free time. Outside of boxing, I am also a full-time student. I'm typically either studying or training. I do this because I love it. I like being busy because it means I am dedicated and have a purpose. I like that feeling.
Can you give an overview of your week?
With training, I box typically five times a week. I do cardio and running for three nights a week. On those days that I do cardio, I also have a strength and conditioning program I follow. On my nights for boxing I do bag work, sparring, and shadow boxing, and a lot of technical work. My cardio and strength and conditioning is more focused on my physique. In total I train about 8 times a week.
What has been the highlight of your journey so far?
Boxing has given me so many incredible opportunities so its hard to highlight one specific moment. I've had the opportunities to travel to Sweden, Ireland, Bulgaria and Puerto Rico just doing what I live. One of my fondest memories is actually in Canada. I am the youth Canadian Champion, meaning under 19. In February, I fought and defeated the elite (19 and over) Canadian Champion at the Brampton Cup. That was a really monumental moment for me because it gave me a lot of confidence going into next season, as that will be my competition next season going to Olympic qualifiers.
What are your short and long term goals?
My short term goals are oriented whenever my next fight is. We sort of have a calendar we keep and right now my short term goal is the Continental Championships in May. Right now all my attention is on that competition. My long term goal is for next year. It is to attend the Olympic qualifiers and hopefully after that the Olympics depending on my performance. That would not only a dream but life changing.
How has boxing changed your life?
Boxing has not only had a profound impact on my physical and mental health, but it has introduced me to a tight group of people I consider my family now. This includes my best friend and my boyfriend of two years that I met through boxing.
What is the number one philosophy you live by?
I would say that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. This translates to numerous aspects of my life. In training and fighting obviously, but also at school. I am very competitive in school, I am very competitive in my intellectual work as well. I know a lot of people who are very gifted, but I believe hard work is more important than any gift you can be born with. I do this in boxing, in school, and everything really.
Who is your favorite boxer and why?
You have the legends in Ali, Tyson, Mayweather and Marciano. One of my favorite boxers of all time is Claressa Shields. She was an amateur boxer, and recently went pro. She's really changed the game for female boxing, and her body shots aren't like any other. I feel like I can really relate to her style because shes a middleweight boxer, and I am a light-middleweight boxer. I find that similarity in weight helps me relate to her style.
What are the contents of your fridge?
My fridge is really boring as it consists of chicken, rice and vegetables in mass quantities. On top of my athleticism, my brother is a professional bodybuilder so we both eat like horses.
What tips would you give young girls getting into boxing?
I would tell young girls getting into nontraditional sports such as boxing really just to expand your horizons and reach beyond what society says is acceptable for girls. I've been doing this my entire life. I was involved in judo for eight years before boxing. I think it's a great way to set yourself apart from other people and be unique. You found this empowerment about it. I think it's a great sport and everyone should try it. As for parents, I think it's a good way to teach your kids about discipline and healthy lifestyles.
What are some of your hobbies outside of the gym?
Like I mentioned earlier, I am a full-time student so I don't have a lot of free time. When I'm not training or studying, I really enjoy painting. In fact, I have an entire portfolio of famous boxers that I painted myself.
What is an obstacle you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
Growing up I had a lot of family issues in my house. At this time I was struggling with my weight. I joined boxing, and through boxing I felt I could take control of my situation. I think that's what I like most about this sport. The fact that you are in complete control.