Mahoning County high school student ranked top female boxer in age group nationally
.jpeg "Zion Hensley is a ninth grade student at Berlin Center Western Reserve High School receiving national recognition for her skills as a six-time championship boxer.")
Zion Hensley is a ninth grade student at Berlin Center Western Reserve High School receiving national recognition for her skills as a six-time championship boxer.
At just 15 years old, she’s ranked number one in the country for her age and weight groups.
“The most recent goal is to go to the Olympic training center in Colorado. But I also of course want to make it to the Olympics and eventually turn pro and become a world champion,” she said.
Hensley trains at Ghost Boxing in Boardman with her coach, Youngstown boxing legend Kelly Pavlik.
“The sacrifices are immeasurable and the dedication is very important in this sport, especially at an elite level. I put everything I have into this, and the training does not every stop,” said Hensley.
Hensley was born in North Carolina and now lives in Canfield. She’s been boxing since she was eight years old.
“When I was at my aunt’s house I decided to see what this bag thing was. Turns out it’s used for boxing which I didn’t know at the time, then from there I went to watch my first professional fight with my dad,” she said. “After that I asked him for the longest time ‘Can I train?’, then he eventually said yes. From there on I have won six national titles so far.”
Hensley wants other young women to feel inspired to try something new, even if not many other female athletes are doing it.
“It feels like I’m helping the sport on the female side of it. Throughout the years there hasn’t been many female fighters, but lately there has been some good and up coming fighters, amateurs and pros,” she said. “I always will look out for us girls. Being a female just means we have to work harder than anyone else to get what we want and deserve.”
Her dad, Jason Elliot, said the Mahoning Valley community has shown their family support and celebrated Hensley along the way.
“I am always nervous. I always have her best interest or as a father the absolute best I can do at protecting her and her interests,” Elliot said. “The support is needed now more than ever in order to keep going.”
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This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 8:43 AM.
