April Napthine: “Boxing has given me so many things, both physically and mentally.”

April Napthine: “Boxing has given me so many things, both physically and mentally.”

It’s been nearly a year since I caught up with the Australian April Napthine. A winning professional debut had been safely secured. “My professional debut was so much fun,” Napthine said of her first fight in the paid ranks. A points win over four rounds against Bec Moss at the Pullman Hotel, Albert Park, in her native Australia. “I’ve been great, working hard and staying focused on my goals ahead of me.” The opening words of Napthine as we caught up again ahead of her second professional fight at the end of next month.

The Mount Eliza native may not yet have had that second ring walk in the world of professional boxing, but Napthine hasn’t been idle since last July. “I have always wanted to tick so many things off still in the amateurs at the same time. I’ve still been active and winning the Australian 50kg Elite Championship held in Canberra in November. This was always a part of the plan, and It was something I wanted to achieve since I began as an amateur and I finally reached that goal.

“I feel like I’m constantly improving and growing in the gym. I’ve been getting great regular sparring with the best girls in Australia. I’ve kept myself busy constantly working, improving, and being consistent.”

But on March 29th, April Napthine will finally have fight number two. A clash of two unbeaten light-flyweights with the Australian title on the line. “I can’t wait. This is a fight that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Napthine says of her second professional outing. Napthine will square off against Jemma Peart, who is unbeaten in five professional fights. “I’ve no thoughts on her. I’m more than ready to take that belt.” A fighter just focusing on herself. “This will make me a simultaneous amateur and professional Australian champion, holding the same weight category in both.”

Napthine, a former basketball player, has high ambitions in both codes of the sport. “I would still love to represent Australia at the highest level on the biggest stages while also chasing down the best opportunities and opponents in the pros, showing everyone what I’m capable of.”

Like many, April Napthine has gained so much from her sport. “Boxing has given me so many things, both physically and mentally. Through the sport, I’ve developed discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Boxing has taught me to push through challenges, overcome obstacles, and stay focused on my goals, mental toughness, confidence, and determination.”