Interview with professional boxer Ramona Kühne

Interview | Ramona Kühne

Recommend via WhatsApp(only possible with a smartphone) Speakers Excellence: Even though women in boxing are becoming increasingly popular, it is mainly men who step into the ring. When did you realize you had a talent for boxing? How did you get into boxing? Ramona Kühne: I recognized my talent for boxing relatively late. I started practicing martial arts, specifically Ju Jutsu, at the age of 12. During that time, I realized that I am more of a competitive type. I then transitioned from Ju Jutsu and kickboxing to amateur boxing and eventually professional boxing because my trainer, who is now my husband, noticed that I worked better with my fists than with my feet. He always used to say, "Feet are only for standing." So, it was actually my husband who realized that my strengths lay more in boxing than, for example, in Ju Jutsu. Speakers Excellence: How do you deal with losses? Ramona Kühne: Well, the good thing is that I have only had one loss in boxing so far. Of course, I have experienced more losses in Ju Jutsu and kickboxing. Personally, I am so ambitious that when faced with losses, I try to identify the mistake or the reason behind it, improve upon it, and ensure not to repeat it in the future. Generally, I am a good loser, for example, in games. However, in a fight, I am a bad loser in that case. My determination is so strong that I tell myself, "No, you must not lose now!" If I have lost a fight, I watch my fights, identify the individual mistakes, try to improve them, and avoid making them in the next fight. Speakers Excellence: Presumably, this approach is essential in your sport. Ramona Kühne: Yes, of course, there are also people who break under such circumstances and fail to recognize that making mistakes is part of the process. Some are just too ambitious. They completely fall apart. That should not be allowed. One must look at where their mistakes were, and usually, one comes back stronger - or at least hopes to. Fortunately, in my case, it has rarely happened in fights, but rather I have experienced physical setbacks. However, I couldn't prevent them as they were due to a traffic accident. But afterwards, I tried to build up my body so that it wouldn't happen again. Speakers Excellence: Who is your biggest role model? Ramona Kühne: I have to admit that I don't really have a specific role model. I am a fan of two boxers, Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya. But they are not exactly role models for me. I just don't have a specific role model, I am simply a fan of boxers. I find what they do amazing. I am also realistic enough to know that I can never reach Manny Pacquiao. So, I cannot see him as a role model. Speakers Excellence: These individuals inspire you on a professional level. Is there someone in your personal life whom you see as an inspiration or role model? Ramona Kühne: My husband is not directly my role model, but he inspires me because he supports me incredibly and has made everything possible. He has been with me every step of the way. In that sense, he is an inspiration to me. He is the most important person in my life. Speakers Excellence: Mrs. Kühne, how do you balance your professional and personal life considering that your spouse is also your trainer? Can you separate the roles of trainer and partner? Ramona Kühne: I have to admit that the first year was very chaotic. When we trained together during our amateur days, I initially found it difficult to separate the roles from my side. There were moments when we trained in the group, and I was quite moody. At those times, I couldn't distinguish that he was the trainer during training and my husband at home. But over time, I learned that during training, he is the boss. As a trainer, he is also a figure of respect towards others, and I had to learn to show him respect during training. But I learned that very well over time. In training, I know he is the boss, and at home, as he always says, it's the same for every man, the woman is the boss. Of course, we also like to talk about boxing and sports in general, but we don't bring up incidents or conflicts that happened during training at home. There are people who cannot do that. But we have learned that well and can separate it well. And to be honest, I can't imagine it any other way now. I am glad to have him with me at all my appointments and to be able to say, I take my trainer and my husband with me. This way, I always have a piece of family with me. Speakers Excellence: That surely gives you a lot of strength. Ramona Kühne: Yes, it simply gives you a different sense of security when you know the person and they can read you without you speaking directly to them, rather than just having your trainer with you. Speakers Excellence: Do you have any plans or goals for the time after your professional career? Ramona Kühne: First, I want to have five more fights and then retire undefeated as a world champion. That is a dream I have. Additionally, I hope that my career as a speaker goes well and that I can establish myself successfully. That is a wish I have. Thank you for the interview! You can access her profile here: http://www.esa100.de/redner/ramona-kuehne.html