Breaking Barriers, Throwing Punches: Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira’s Fight for Women in Boxing

Bernice started training when she was really young. It was during her primary school years that she entered the realm of amateur kickboxing, where she made quite an impact, even challenging older competitors. Bernice faced challenging circumstances at home and limited financial resources. This setback deeply affected her motivation, prompting her to transition boxing to during her high school years. As many are aware, being a female in boxing represents unique challenges, particularly in securing the right fights and exposure as an amateur.

We got an opportunity to sit down with her on the show to tell it all. Bernice Ferreira’s boxing journey is more than just a tale of punches and perseverance—it’s a story of grit, setbacks, and an unwavering belief in her purpose. In 2022, Bernice faced a year of complete inactivity in the ring. Not a single fight. The lingering effects of COVID-19 had thrown her career into disarray. Licensing delays and bureaucratic hurdles meant she couldn’t compete, even though her spirit was ready. “I struggled to get my license during COVID,” she says, her voice echoing the frustration of many athletes sidelined by the pandemic’s ripple effects.

But Bernice didn’t give up.

In 2023, she came back swinging—literally. She managed to secure five fights, each one a testament to her resilience and hunger to reclaim her place in the sport. These weren’t just matches; they were milestones. Every bout was a reminder that she belonged in the ring, no matter how long the delay.

By 2024, she had only one fight under her belt—but it carried the weight of years of struggle, training, and emotional endurance. That single fight wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing up, standing tall, and proving that women can box too.

”How do you live when you only work once in a year”. Bernice Ferreira

Fighting For Funding: Bernice Ferreira Calls for Change in Women’s Boxing

The Badger didn’t just speak as a boxer—she spoke as a voice for countless women in sport who are still fighting battles outside the ring. “If you speak to any female boxer,” she said, “they’ll tell you—there’s just not enough funding.” Her words cut deep, revealing a long-standing issue that has kept many talented athletes sidelined, under-resourced, and overlooked. For years, women in boxing have had to hustle harder, train with less, and often pay out of pocket just to compete. Sponsorships are rare. Equipment is outdated. Travel costs are a burden. And visibility? Almost non-existent.

But Bernice sees shift, she believes that in the past year or two, things have started to change. There’s more conversation, more recognition, and a growing appetite to support women in sport. “It’s not perfect,” she admits, “but it’s moving.” And she’s not just hoping—she’s calling on leadership. Bernice expressed confidence in Minister Gayton McKenzie, suggesting that he has the power and platform to make a real difference. “I feel like Minister McKenzie can do something about it,” she said, urging government and stakeholders to prioritize funding for female athletes—not just for the sake of fairness, but for the future of South African sport.

Accolades & Achievements of Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira

• Two-time Gold Trophy Winner at the South African Kickboxing Championships and affiliated tournaments
• Recognized for National Excellence in combat sports and female athletic leadership
• Achieved Dream Milestone by earning international representation status
• Advocate for Women in Sport, using her platform to highlight funding challenges and inspire change

Catch the whole conversation below:

After a full year after obtaining her professional license, she navigated the boxing world without a manager and unfortunately didn’t secure any fights. However, through a stroke of luck or perhaps divine intervention, she was connected with Colleen McAusland, who has served as her manager for the past 2 years. Since then, she has had the opportunity to participate in seven professional boxing bouts, winning all seven. four of these victories were secured by points decision, while other three ended in KO

She believes that women are speaking up more than ever, challenging norms, demanding space, and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be strong. And she’s not alone. Bernice celebrates platforms like the Vooka Breakfast Show, which give women the mic, the moment, and the momentum to “say their say.”

In her words and in her punches, Bernice reminds us: when women rise, communities rise. And when stories like hers are heard, the next generation of fighters—inside and outside the ring—find the courage to step forward.