In this insightful conversation, professional boxer Amanda Chan reflects on her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering a candid look at the mental and physical resilience required to make it in boxing. Her words highlight both the highs and lows of her journey, providing valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to step into the ring. Here, I’ll add my thoughts to each of her answers, reflecting on how her experiences and approach to the sport align with the core principles we value in boxing.
From Amateur Beginnings to the Pro Ring
Q: Looking back, how many total fights have you had, both amateur and professional, and what inspired you to first step into the ring?
Amanda: “I’ve only had five amateur fights and am now heading into my tenth pro fight in February 2025. It’s not a high number, but back when I started in Singapore, there were very few opportunities for female fighters in the amateur ranks. That limited experience ultimately pushed me to turn professional. Initially, I turned to boxing as a way to cope with PTSD and anxiety. Boxing built my self-confidence and gave me a sense of self-esteem I hadn’t felt in a long time. Watching my teammates in the ring brought me a sense of empowerment and adrenaline that I wanted to experience for myself."
It’s inspiring to see Amanda’s journey start from such a personal place, using boxing as a tool for personal healing. For many fighters, boxing isn’t just about winning or titles; it’s about finding inner strength and resilience. Amanda’s early experiences demonstrate how boxing can be an empowering journey, not just a physical one. For anyone starting out, it’s a reminder that every reason to step into the ring is valid, especially when it brings positive change to your life.
Lessons from Early Fights
Q: How did those early days in boxing—whether successes or struggles—shape the fighter you are today, both technically and mentally?
Amanda: “I’ve lost three fights, and one of those losses really broke me down. I had stage fright and a lack of self-belief that led to an out-of-body experience in the ring. I was TKO’ed, and I remember feeling embarrassed and ashamed. However, that loss was a turning point. It led me to explore the psychological side of sports, which is now a huge part of my training and who I am as an athlete.”
Amanda’s experience here is a valuable lesson in the role of resilience in a fighter’s journey. Losses are tough, and sometimes they’re devastating. However, it’s how we choose to respond that makes all the difference. She turned a difficult experience into an opportunity to grow mentally, a reminder that psychological strength is just as crucial as physical skill in the ring. For any fighter, facing and learning from failure is essential to building a long-lasting career.
"Fear is the greatest obstacle to learning. But fear is your best friend. Fear is like fire. If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don’t learn to control it, it’ll destroy you and everything around you." Cus D'Amato
Pushing Through the Toughest Moments
Q: Which fight has pushed you to your absolute limits, and how did you adapt mid-fight to overcome the toughest moments?
Amanda: “My title fight was one of my toughest experiences. I hadn’t had a great weight cut, and I felt drained going into the fight. I gassed out early, but what kept me going was my mental resilience and positive self-talk. I kept telling myself I could push through, and luckily, I managed to win by a split decision.”
Amanda’s approach during her title fight highlights the importance of adaptability and mental resilience. Boxing can be unpredictable, and sometimes physical preparation doesn’t go as planned. This is where a fighter’s mindset makes all the difference. Her self-talk and inner belief kept her going through difficult moments, which is a powerful reminder to all fighters: staying mentally tough can be the difference between giving up and pushing through to victory.
The Secret to Consistency
Q: What do you consider to be the secret behind your ability to maintain consistency and success across your career, even through tough times?
Amanda: “I have a mantra: ‘I didn’t come this far to only come this far.’ When COVID hit, I worried that everything was over, but I pushed through. It’s about perseverance and always finding a way forward.”
Amanda’s mantra is a testament to her perseverance. Boxing requires long-term commitment, and challenges like COVID tested the grit of athletes worldwide. The lesson here is to keep moving forward, even when circumstances are beyond your control. In the sport of boxing, success is often a marathon, not a sprint. Every step forward, even the small ones, builds resilience that will sustain a fighter in the long run.
Reaching a New Level
Q: Was there a specific fight or moment in your career where everything clicked, and you knew you had reached a new level as a boxer?
Amanda: “In my last fight, I faced an opponent I had previously won against by split decision, but this time I knocked her out. Going in, I was a bit nervous, but my coach’s reassurance and my mental focus helped me handle it much better than the first time.”
Amanda’s progress in facing a familiar opponent demonstrates the value of confidence and continuous improvement. The shift from a split decision to a knockout shows that she didn’t settle for the win but used her experience to come back stronger. This is a great reminder for fighters to focus on growth, even after a victory, and that mental preparation is just as important as physical training.
Mental Preparation and Handling Pressure
Q: Boxing can be mentally exhausting. What’s your mental strategy leading up to a fight, and how do you approach particularly intimidating opponents?
Amanda: “I focus on staying present and grounded. I don’t let opponents’ antics or showboating affect me. My focus is entirely on the task at hand.”
Amanda’s focus on staying grounded is a vital skill in boxing, where mind games and intimidation tactics are common. This approach is valuable for fighters of any level. Rather than getting caught up in an opponent’s behaviour, staying centred and focusing on your own strategy can often lead to a more controlled and effective performance.
Mental Readiness in Training Camp
Q: What’s something about your training camp that most people wouldn’t expect, and how do you balance physical preparation with mental readiness?
Amanda: “Physical preparation is crucial, but I emphasize mental readiness in camp. I reaffirm myself positively, journal, and meditate a lot. I also spend time by the pool or visualizing to stay calm and focused. It’s a big part of my routine to keep a balanced mind.”
Amanda’s approach to mental readiness shows a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Fighters can gain a lot by incorporating activities like meditation and visualisation into their routine. These practices foster a calm, focused state that’s essential during high-stress moments, and Amanda’s dedication to mental fitness is a great example for aspiring fighters.
Relying on the Team
Q: Your team plays a huge role in your career. How do you rely on them during those tough moments in a fight?
Amanda: “My coach’s guidance is everything. I trust him completely. He knows exactly what to say to keep me focused or give me direction, and as long as I follow our game plan, I’m content with the outcome.”
The trust Amanda has in her coach highlights the importance of building a strong, supportive team. In boxing, your team can be a crucial source of guidance, especially in challenging fights. Her words remind us that a strong relationship with your coach can provide the clarity and direction needed to overcome tough moments in the ring.
Overcoming the Mental Challenges of Boxing
Q: Boxing is often said to be more mental than physical. What do you find to be the hardest part of the sport, and how do you overcome it?
Amanda: “The hardest part is definitely the mental game. Believing in myself and staying focused on fight day is a constant challenge. My strategy is to remind myself that my body already knows what to do and to let go of any negative thoughts. It’s about not standing in my own way.”
Amanda’s approach to self-belief and mental focus is something every boxer can learn from. The physical training prepares you, but it’s the mind that ultimately allows you to perform. Letting go of self-doubt and trusting your training is key to staying composed under pressure. This insight can help fighters focus on achieving flow and giving their best on fight day.
Advice for the Next Generation
Q: When younger boxers come to you for advice about dealing with setbacks, what do you tell them about staying focused and motivated during tough times?
Amanda: “I tell them every loss or setback has a lesson that can propel you forward. Boxing tests your grit and determination; embracing the struggle is part of the grind. If you stay focused on the process, you’ll come out stronger.”
Amanda’s advice to embrace setbacks is a powerful message for any fighter. Every loss and tough experience is an opportunity to grow. Her words remind us that boxing is a test of resilience and that every struggle contributes to a fighter’s evolution. This mindset can sustain a fighter through the inevitable ups and downs of the sport. Her journey offers invaluable lessons on resilience, mental toughness, and the power of self-belief. As she continues her career, her experiences stand as an inspiring guide for fighters, particularly female, looking to grow both inside and outside the ring.
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