Tatjana Genrich, crowned Miss Germany in 2022, is set to make her professional boxing debut next month in Magdeburg, swapping the catwalk for the ring at the age of 33.
Genrich was the state champion of Saxony-Anhalt in the flyweight division for amateur boxers between 2007 and 2009. She originally took up boxing as a way to defend herself at school and fight back against bullies.
From Bullied Schoolgirl to Amateur Champion
“At school I was often bullied and I wanted to find a way to defend myself. That's how it all started,” Genrich said.
After catching the eye with her skills in the ring, she was signed by boxing promoter Ulf Steinforth. Years later, Steinforth reconnected with the model after suggesting she should rekindle her boxing talent.
Reconnecting with Her Former Coach
“Since I sponsor the ring girls at his boxing events, he approached me one day and asked if I would like to get back in the ring,” Genrich said. “I finally agreed and am now about to make my professional debut.”
Her motivation extends beyond rekindling a love for the sport. “I want to be a role model for young women and show them that you can be successful in both your career and sports,” she said. “I train in areas like posture, running and choreography. This prepares me for competitions as well as events like fashion shows.”
Training and Ambitions
Genrich will be coached by Dirk Dzemski, a former boxer who helped Robert Stieglitz become world champion in the 2010s. Russian-German southpaw Stieglitz was WBO super middleweight world champion from 2009 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2014.
Her promoter SES Boxing are backing Genrich to make her mark in the ring and follow in the footsteps of the legendary Regina Halmich. Halmich won 54 of her 56 bouts and dominated the female flyweight division, retaining the WIBF belt for over a decade.
“Tatjana can follow in Regina Halmich's footsteps. She has all the necessary qualities, an incredible presence, and is extremely ambitious,” they said.
In the wake of her decision, Genrich changed up her social media feed, posting a video of her sparring and lifting weights in the gym – a different look to the glamorous modelling and collaboration work she shares with her 45,000 followers on Instagram.
