Ayesha Akbar Reflects On Boxing Journey
Police officer Ayesha Akbar has described her transition into boxing as an “interesting journey” after representing the service at a recent international tournament in Canada.
The 41-year-old was part of a seven-member Bermuda Police Service team that faced Peel Regional Police at Black and Blue, a boxing gala in Ontario.
Competing at 66kg, Akbar faced Laura Scott, with the bout ending in a split decision in the hometown fighter’s favour.
“Sometimes you don’t know which way the fight is going,” Akbar told Bernews. “At least it was a good, close match.”
Akbar had previously trained in Wing Chun and Muay Thai before taking up boxing at the Police Headquarters in Prospect in April.
She had also been training in Sanda, a Chinese kickboxing discipline, under the guidance of Garon Wilkinson, president of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, who coached the police team.
“When I heard a police boxing gym had opened, I was attracted to go there,” she said.
“I was nervous [about the tournament] because sometimes when you have different martial arts experiences it can hinder you in boxing.
“Boxing has its own rhythm; the stance is different and can’t throw back fists like you can in Sanda.
“It’s been an interesting journey.”
Akbar said adapting her previous martial arts experience to boxing presented challenges, particularly when sparring under pressure.
“Sometimes when I sparred, I would do things that I hadn’t trained – maybe through a lack of experience in a pressured environment,” said Akbar, who has served as a police officer in Bermuda for two years.
Balancing training with her police duties was another challenge because she works shifts, but Akbar said she is keen to continue developing her skills and gain further competitive experience.
“It would be nice to have a few more tournaments. I’ll keep training as usual,” said Akbar, who also competed at a recent open sparring event at the Fresh and Hungry Boxing Club in Warwick.
“I’d like to fight on local cards if they can match me up with someone.”
