SHOOTING THE BREEZE WITH SUSIE Q

IMAGE: SUSIE Q RAMADAN (HERALD SUN)

Susie Q Ramadan is the first Australian female to capture both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Title and the WBC World Bantamweight Title. The fiercely aggressive  Susie Q is the ultimate crowd pleaser, with an impressive record of 27  wins from 29 fights - a true testament to her first class technique, lightening hands and watertight defence.

Susie is currently preparing for her next run into 2018 with World titles in her sights. Here’s what Susie had to say about training, nutrition and life in general when we caught up with her for some quick questions.

IMAGE: SUSIE Q RAMADAN ON HER WAY TO A WIN IN 2017


STING: Susie, we know you love to train hard. Can you tell us a bit about your training routine in the lead up to a fight?

SQR: Sure… I generally train 6 days a week, and usually twice a day when I’m preparing for a fight. My sessions are pretty varied and generally include a combination of boxing, technique, pad work, sparring, skipping, running (sprints, hill or step work) and, of course, strength and conditioning training.

STING: So out of all of those sessions, what is your favourite type of training?

SQR: My favourite would have to be sparring and pad work.

STING: And your least favourite?

SQR: Heavy leg work.

STING: Moving on to nutrition, can you tell us a bit about your diet? What’s on the menu for a World Champ?

SQR: I follow a special, structured nutrition plan every time I'm preparing for a competition, which usually consists of protein, carbs, fruit and veggies – and lots of water!

STING: So, if we opened your fridge and pantry at home, what foods would we be most likely to find?

SQR: There’d be a lot to choose from, but you would definitely find rice, pasta, chicken, steak, tuna, fish, quinoa, veggies, fruit, yogurt and smoothies.

STING: And when you’re not in fight prep mode, what’s your favourite treat food?

SQR: Chocolate, for sure!

STING: Do you have an easy Susie Q approved recipe you could share with your fans?

SQR: Definitely. I love smoothies, and one of my favourites is a green smoothie with spinach, coconut milk, mixed berries, banana, chia seeds (soaked for 10 mins) and spirulina.

STING: We’ll definitely be trying that one! So, let’s talk a bit more about boxing. What do you love most about your sport?

SQR: I love the challenges of boxing – both mental and physical.

STING: What has been the biggest challenge so far in your career? And how did you overcome it?

SQR: Being a female in a male dominated sport can be challenging at times, but it’s also fun. I just continue my dedication to the sport I love and always do my best to succeed. I refuse to let any critics distract my focus!

STING: We know how much time you dedicate to training, but what do you like to do for fun aside from boxing?

SQR: I love the simple things like catching up with family and friends, socialising and the beach. But I also enjoy lots of other fun physical activities like tennis and roller blading.

STING: And, finally Susie, who are your favourite or most inspirational athletes?

SQR: I would have to say Mohammed Ali, Michael Jordon and Manny Pacquiao. 

Susie Q Ramadan is arguably Australia's most accomplished women's boxer and fights out of Team Labruna in north-west Melbourne.