Nina Meinke defends her IBF featherweight world title on May 10. In BOXSPORT, she talks about the rematch against Daniela Bermudez, changes in her life as world champion – and her big dream.
Nina, you will face Daniela Bermudez again on May 10 in Rostock. What impressed you most about your first duel – and what perhaps surprised you?
I really remember the moment when I made the cut. That was on the second lap and I really hadn’t expected it. I got off to a relatively relaxed start and thought we could control the pace well. But then this cut … I didn’t even realize how strong it was at first – until the blood suddenly rushed to my face. I could barely see, it was all a blur. At that moment, a thousand thoughts went through my head: Will the fight be stopped? How bad is it really? All I knew was that I couldn’t lose my nerve now.
How did your opponent react?
Bermudez saw this, of course, and immediately tried to put the pressure on. Fortunately, my team did an incredibly good job, especially my cutman. I then tried to stay calm and trust my technique – and the longer the fight went on, the better I got back into it.
How much has this World Cup title changed your life?
Nothing has really changed in my private life, everything is the same as before. But a lot has changed in sporting terms. I now get a lot more inquiries, even internationally. I’ve become more interesting for promoters and other female boxers. You simply notice that as a world champion you are perceived on a different level. I definitely lived up to my nickname “The Brave” with this fight.
Do you think Bermudez will do anything fundamentally different in your rematch?
She will definitely get back into the ring in top shape. She was already physically very well prepared for the 12 x 3 minutes in the first fight – and I assume that she has now gone one step further.
Interview by Robin Josten
You can find the complete interview with IBF world champion Nina Meinke in the new Boxsport issue. This is now available in our free app!