NOW eight fights into her professional career, Canada’s Bree Howling is hoping to announce herself on the world stage and mount a title challenge against Cherneka Johnson in the near future.
Howling, 8-0 (2 KOs), notched three wins during a six-month spell during 2024 but has not fought in the nine months thereafter, although she told Boxing News that this was ‘time invested’ rather than ‘time off’.
“I’ve been in the gym nonstop, working on my timing, defence, and sitting down on my shots more. It wasn’t time off – it was time invested. Now I’m coming back better and more dangerous.”
On Saturday night, on the Ferreira-Ferreyra undercard in Orlando, ‘Bam Bam’ is tasked with a six-round battle against undefeated Mexican, Naomy Cardenas Gomez, 8-0 (2 KOs), in what seems set to be her toughest test on paper.
She expects an aggressive approach from the Chihuahua-based contender but still portrayed her confidence ahead of this weekend by revealing plans for a quick turnaround and another fight in the summer.
“The 6-rounder is strategic—it’s about staying sharp and ready for quick turnarounds. If everything goes to plan, I’d love to stay active and fight again before the end of summer. Momentum is key right now.”
“Cardenas is undefeated for a reason. She’s aggressive, confident, and she’s coming to win—just like I am. But the difference is, I’ve faced adversity. I’ve evolved. I expect her to bring intensity, but I’m bringing precision and composure. I’ll rise to the challenge.”
Now ranked as the WBA #5 bantamweight contender, Howling is eyeing up Australia’s WBA champion Cherneka Johnson, 17-2 (7 KOs), but admitted that simply defeating Cardenas may not be enough to capture Johnson’s attention.
Instead, Howling believes she may require a more authoritative display if she is to earn her chance at representing Canada on the big stage.
“At this level, it’s not just about winning—it’s about making a statement. I know the eyes are on this division, and I want to make it impossible to ignore me. A dominant performance sends a clear message to Cherneka Johnson. I’m not coming for a shot, I’m coming for the belt.”
“I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid growing up in Calgary. I’m not just ready—I’m hungry for it. Canada deserves a strong, fearless woman representing on the big stage, and I’m prepared to carry that torch. I want to be the one headlining major cards and showing the world what Canadian women’s boxing is all about.”
