On Friday, December 9th, The Great Hall at Queen and Dovercourt will be packed for GirlFight 2.0, with proceeds going to Nellie’s Shelter. In anticipation of the all-female sweaty smackdown, organized by Pink Mafia, we wanted to know what it takes to be a grizzly, no-bull, knock-em-down fighter; competitor Debby Cabral’s got more than just moves in the ring.

If you went to the last GirlFight, you know the kind of shit we’re talking about. If not, go see for yourself. This is a not-to-be-missed electrifying event for a very important cause. Raise your claws, women; we are in this fight together.

1. What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?
I wake up at 7:30am and immediately have breakfast. I am on a very strict and well-balanced diet. During the day is when I get most of my errands done because I work at night. Since I have an upcoming fight, my training is more intense. It involves a lot of conditioning, resistance, pad work, and sparring. Thursday is usually my rest day because I train 6 days a week. I head out to work at 3:00pm to teach the athletic after- school program. This after-school program is great because it helps get kids moving! Once I’m done work, I deal with a bit of traffic (where I live there’s always traffic) and head over to my other job at the fitness club. When my shift is over, I hurry home to my favourite place in the world, my sofa and blankies. Lastly, I watch some television, play with my cat Babette and head to bed.

2. What was your first job out of school?
My first job was flipping burgers at Harvey’s.

3. What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?
The three skills I require most to be a Muay Thai fighter well are diligence, commitment and patience.

4. What do you love most about your career?
What I love most about Muay Thai is that it has changed my life forever. I was in a dark place for a long time and didn’t really have any goals. Once I discovered Muay Thai and my family at Hook Up, everything changed for the better.

5. Do you have any warnings?
Muay Thai is a great activity that anyone at any age can enjoy. However, if you don’t like bumps and bruises it might not be the sport for
you.

6. If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?
If I could try a different career, I would love to be a fire fighter or a hockey player. GO LEAFS GO!

Tickets for the next GirlFight are $20 and can be purchased here, in support of Nellie’s Shelter.