She's the current NSW novice champion in the 81kg division, as well as this week’s Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar winner, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

Grace now boasts a record of five fights for four wins and a loss – her only defeat being on the Manning River Rumble program held at Taree PCYC in April. She now hopes to get a crack at an Australian championship, hopefully later this year.

If all goes to plan Grace will stay in the amateur ranks until she’s 22 before embarking on a professional career.

Grace only took up boxing last year. And she admits the world was a whole different place for her then.

“I was a bigger girl and I thought boxing would help me,’’ she said.

Grace weighed 126kgs when she began training. Since then she’s stripped 56kgs.

Before boxing Grace played a bit of hockey, although she admits sport wasn’t a big deal for her.

While a bit apprehensive when she first started, Grace now describes boxing as her passion.

“I train five days a week – six sometimes,’’ she said.

She’s trained by Chris Bell while once a month she heads to Umina for more specialised tutoring.

“Boxing has changed my life,’’ she said.

Sport, Grace claims, can do that.

“Young women who are struggling with self image or just self discipline can find out just how much a difference getting a passion for sport can change their life, just like it did for me,’’ she emphasised.

Grace scored a clear points decision over her opponent to claim the State novice crown at Sutherland PCYC.

She was confident she’d done all required going into the bout and this belief increased over the three round fight.

“I went for the TKO, but that didn’t happen,’’ she said.

However, Grace doesn’t think 81kgs is her best fighting weight.

“I think it’s 69 or 75kgs,’’ she said.

“I’ll go down to 75kgs hopefully for my next fight. There’s more chance of getting matched at that weight.’’

She said dropping the weight won’t impact on her power.

“No, everything will be right there,’’ she said.

Boxing isn’t just about punching hard and often, Grace assured. The cerebral side of the sport, also known as the sweet science, also appeals to her.

“It’s like a puzzle,’’ she explained.

“You have to work out your opponent, find the strengths and weaknesses. 

“And the adrenaline rush – don’t forget about that,’’ Grace smiled.