Meet the world champion hopeful fighting her ADHD battle through boxing and music after picking up unlikely hobby
RAVEN CHAPMAN is the world title hopeful fighting her ADHD battle through boxing and drumming.
Chapman, signed to iconic British promoter Frank Warren, is 8-0 and returns on Derek Chisora’s undercard against Joe Joyce.
She grew up in martial arts, mixing kung fu and kickboxing in with football on the weekends.
But it was as a teenager she started boxing as a way to combat her ADHD.
UNIBET ambassador Chapman, 30, told SunSport: “I was always energetic and trying different things all the time.
“I’d lose interest in things that I’d really love for a while but boxing I always went back to and just always enjoyed the outlet of it.
“Boxing has pretty much ended up being the only thing I’ve ever really stuck with – I love the training and being in the gym and it’s just what makes me feel good and sane.”
Chapman turned professional in 2021 and added the WBC international featherweight belt to her name along the way.
But she picked up a shoulder injury last year which left her unable to train and contain her ADHD.
So Chapman’s boyfriend bought her an electric drum kit – adding it as the latest hobby to keep her amused when out the gym.
She said: I’ve always wanted to play the drums since a teen and just never had the opportunity.
“I learnt guitar for a little while but as usual didn’t stick with it. But drumming was always a draw for me.
“While I was injured I was struggling not being able to train the way I normally would and having a lot more time on my hands I felt a little lost.
“So my boyfriend bought me an electric drum kit as a surprise, since I’d been talking about drumming for a while.
“It definitely helped through injury, teaching myself the drums and I was a natural at it – felt like it was the perfect hobby for me as I can focus but I’m still moving and letting energy out.
“I started doing lessons as well to keep me focused and so I could learn it properly.”
Chapman returns against dangerous 10-0 Colombian Yohana Sarabia, 22, who has six knockouts.
And she is eyeing the WBC title held by Skye Nicolson, 28.
Chapman added: “I’m hoping the world title fight is next for me, there’s been a few talks about it and that’s what I want to happen so hopefully the team can get something over the line.”