9-year-old boxer shines in debut, eager for next fight

Natyli Brown, 9 (right), and Vlada Kosenko, 8, have their arms raised following their bout at Rumble on the River in Windsor on Aug. 15, 2026. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

Nine-year-old Windsor boxer Natyli Brown emerged from her debut fight eager to step into the ring again.

Brown faced eight-year-old Vlada Kosenko of Boomerz Boxing in London, during Border City Boxing’s Rumble on the River event Saturday at Riverfront Festival Plaza.

“It feels good,” Brown said immediately after the bout.

Despite entering the ring for the first time, Brown said she was not surprised by the intensity of the action.

“I’m used to doing that stuff,” she said.

Brown began boxing two years ago after deciding she wanted to try a combat sport. She now trains six days a week at Border City Boxing.

Her coach, Josh Canty, previously said Brown is so committed that she pushes her parents to take her to the gym even when they are tired.

Brown said the gym has become much more than a place to train.

“Boxing isn’t just the gym I go to. It’s like my home,” she said. “All the people there watching, we’re all close, so it’s like my second family.”

Because sanctioned boxing matches in Ontario begin at age 12, Saturday’s bout will not be added to Brown’s official record. Before the event, she described it as the closest experience she could have to a real fight at her age.

Brown displayed an aggressive approach and plenty of head movement during her debut — something she expects will remain part of her style as she develops.

Asked whether spectators will see her compete again, Brown did not hesitate.

“Yes,” she said.

Brown also expressed hope that boxing will remain part of her future for years to come.

“I hope to be the next Rosalind Canty.”