thing different. Driving home one day, she noticed a ballet studio and the next day stopped by. After all, she remembered how much she loved doing ballet as a child and figured it would be a fun way to exercise now. However, the studio was closed that day. She stopped by again the following day. It was still closed. Three doors down, though, was an unassuming place that caught her eye called “Sweeney’s Boxing.” (Think: Rocky Balboa-style training facility!) After a quick shoulder shrug, Sarah decided, “Why not” and confidently walked right into the gym–mini skirt, heels and all–and found herself face-to-face with owner Rick Sweeney, who immediately sized her up. “You wanna box” he inquired of her. “Sure, why not” she halflaughed, an air of some uncertainty to her voice. “How much do you weigh” was his next question. While Sarah’s only intention at the time was to lose weight and get in shape, she took advantage of that first complimentary work-out only to realize it was the most intense, bodynumbing, mind-blowing workout she had ever endured. “I couldn’t even open my hands the next day,” she emphasized. “It was brutal.” But she went back. Again, improved fitness and weight loss were the only things on her mind. She signed up for a membership and began working out regularly. Even though Sarah only saw that place as a format to get in shape, Rick saw something else—Sarah’s yet unrevealed potential. “He knew from the beginning that I could be a world champion someday,” said Sarah. “I think that motivation and encouragement from him definitely pushed me to work hard. He believed in me from day one.” Someone else at the gym also inspired Sarah. “There was a woman there, probably about 39 years old, and she was a pro boxer. I’d see her work out and figured if she could do that, so could I,” recalled Sarah. “She was my inspiration.” Her trainer eventually had Sarah spar with that woman. “I was so nervous I nearly threw up,” Sarah laughed. “I got punched that day and got my first black eye.” However, Sarah, 25 at the time, was not afraid. She was intrigued instead. She realized in that moment that perhaps–no, definitely–this was something she could do. Her three practices a week evolved into six, working out up to four hours a day and mastering the sport. Some might even argue it’s more of an art form, as the mental components of it are far more challenging than the physical. Such an inclination for creative and inspired thought comes naturally to Sarah anyway, along with a great reserve of athletic prowess that has confidently reared its head since she first crossed the threshold into Sweeney’s four years ago. Six months into her newfound passion, Sarah had lost 25 pounds “Walking to the ring is the most terrifying experience. That is when you feel so vulnerable and you really have to rely on your training.” and began to embrace the athlete she had become. By February 2009, she had won the Adirondack Region Golden Glove, her first amateur fight, after just three rounds. “Walking to the ring is the most terrifying experience,” she explained. “That is when you feel so vulnerable and you really have to rely on your training.” By this point, Sarah was recognized as the best female boxer in the region. Her passion intensified, and she pursued more fights. Six weeks later she won two more fights in another amateur elimination tournament at the New York State Golden Glove competition. After six more amateur fights, it was time to make a choice: turn pro or remain an amateur While the thought of being an Olympic athlete in this regard intrigued her, Sarah decided to pursue the professional route when she was 27 years old. Although mild-mannered by nature, her fighting style is aggressive and far more conducive to the professional circuit. She competed in five fights as a welterweight her first year and on December 3, 2011, she fought for and won a world title in Georgia, the WIBC Jr. Welterweight World Title through the Women’s International Boxing Counsel. With her wedding date set two months later, she agreed not to fight until after the nuptials so she would not have any bruises on her face. (“That would ruin those special wedding day photos, right” she mused.) So, from December 2011 through early June 2012, Sarah concentrated her efforts on intense training. Then, on June 16th, she fought in Albany against a highly-ranked opponent which brought her ranking up into the Top 10. When not at work or training, Sarah and Brian love to go out to dinner. “That is our alone time,” she smiled. “We both have busy lives with opposing schedules, so any time we get together is very special. We are big fans of Shogun for its amazing sushi. We also enjoy the Brown Derby.” What Sarah appreciates more than her professional boxing status is that this journey has proven to her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. “I grew up with the insecurities typically associated with being overweight,” she said. “I am now in a position where I can inspire young girls and woman to lead a healthy lifestyle and I love that. I wish I had a female athlete to whom I could look up as a child. Being a role model and inspiration to others is far more important to me than any title. Empowering others is the real victory. When people tell me that I have given them hope, that is one of the most tremendous gifts I have ever received.” Just one look at Sarah and you can see that, despite her obvious natural beauty, confidence is truly her best accessory. No matter how you look at it, Sarah Kuhn is a total knock-out, in more ways than one. ■ 16 <strong>HER</strong><strong>LIFE</strong>newyork.com
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