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Pan Am Boxing president an inspiration for women
April 29, 2025
Kerry Ann Stephenson, a female boxer with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), has cited Pan American Boxing Confederation president Elise Seignolle as an inspiration for women in boxing.
Stephenson was speaking yesterday at a press conference held at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) headquarters in Kingston.
Called upon to speak on her experiences as a boxer, Stephenson highlighted Seignolle's career from the ring into sports administrator as a point of inspiration.
Seignolle became the first woman to be elected president of the Pan Am Boxing Confederation.
"I like to say that if the males can do it, then why not the females as well. It is inspirational and makes me so motivated. I am a female and I would want to set a mark as well," Stephenson said.
"So thank you for that and I understand that you were also a boxer. That is very inspirational and I watched your video when you said you figured out who you are in the ring and I believe that is so true," she addressed Seignolle.
For Stephenson, her boxing started two years ago while she was serving in the JDF.
She explained that she became interested in the sport due to her interest in self-defence and learnt that the sport is endorsed by the military due to its core beliefs.
"I have been a member of the JDF boxing for the past two years where I competed in the featherweight division. Boxing perfectly demonstrates the military core values that are in line with those of the JDF," Stephenson said.
"I was always interested in learning self-defence and learning how to defend myself. Boxing allows for me to demonstrate that even though I am female and might seem weak or mild, I am able to protect myself.
Stephenson also called for further support for boxing in Jamaica, as well as equality for her female peers.
"Boxing not only builds courage within me but helps me with thinking quickly. It is a passion for it, it is a love and that is where my heart is."
She added: "I believe that it is important to support equality, not just boxing, but in life overall."
