Bernice Ferreira: “My career has been like a movie”

‘The Badger’ described her title fight against Caroline Veyre in Atlanta, Georgia last month as an overwhelming experience.

“I got a bit starstruck in the middle of the fight... I was like, 'Coach, there's Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Mayweather right in front of me.’ That whole experience was like being in a movie.”

It was a closely contested fight up until the moment Veyre was disqualified over excessive holding on Ferreira who did not budge, stuck to her gameplan and fired away some bruising blows.

“My opponent didn’t have much power, I had an upper hand when it came to that. She felt my power and that’s why she felt the need to hold on. There will probably be a rematch because her team’s request was granted, so we could fight again later this year or early next year.”

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Ferreira attributes much of her rapid ascent to changing management after securing her South African title last November. 

She also revealed to SABC Sport all the diverse skillsets in her corner.

“I give 100% acknowledgement to the new management team, which is NO DOUBT Management. If it wasn't for Colin Nathan I probably would still be waiting for my world title shot.

“I love training with Coach Fatti in the mornings as usual, I believe he is an excellent conditioning coach, and he makes us very strong, very fit, and ready physically. Coach Bernie handles boxing-specific training in the evenings. He calls himself the technician, so he's technically very sound in terms of what he brings to the table. I don't think any other coach can match him in that respect." 

Prior to her bout with Veyre, Ferreira faced Ellen Simwaka in May this year for the IBO world title—a test she considers her toughest to date. 

"Ellen always comes with a lot of pressure and she doesn't give you room to breathe or to think. Going through that experience with Ellen helped me to be mentally ready for the world stage"

Beyond titles, Ferreira uses her platform to spread hope in her community. The first African female WBC Champion credits boxing with keeping her on the right track when many around her fell victim to crime or addiction.

"The area that I grew up in is completely overwhelmed with drugs and gangsterism and poverty, but if I can come from an area like that and still make it out on top, then there's definitely hope for everybody out there.

"Boxing definitely saved my life multiple times. It influenced my self-discipline, and the fact that I wanted to become something gave me the strength to say no to those things. So don't give up on yourself, put in the work, trust in God's timing, and anything is possible."