photo by: Kim North

Union Local graduate and three-time Ohio Valley Toughwoman Contest champion Kamron Chervanek has worked her way up to being a West Virginia- and Pennsylvania-certified boxing judge. She was one of three working the 45th annual Ohio Valley Toughman Contest Friday night inside downtown Wheeling’s WesBanco Arena.

WHEELING – When she was 12 years old, Kamron Chervanek was an Ohio state champion in Tae Kwon Do. Little did she know at the time, but that jump-started a career in boxing that has been a mainstay in her life since.

“I was a mouthy little 12-year-old at the time and my late mom thought I needed a little more discipline, so she signed me up at the Bullpen Fight Club,” Chervanek said of her start. “I trained with big Ronnie Green, little Ronnie Green, Ronell Green, Mike Napple, Todd Bevan and Josh Baker. It really made me tough – mentally and physically – and I am grateful for my time with them. That’s where I’m taking Ju-Jitzsu.”

She took up Ju-Jitzsu with one goal in mind – to be the first female MMA referee.

“I’m actually terrible at it. I’m a complete wipe out,” she admitted. “I have no grappling experience at all. I like the challenge, though. I’m also a big germaphobic so it’s really pushing me to get over my germ issues, as well as the physical issues.”

She has gone from being an accomplished boxer as a three-time Ohio Valley Toughwoman champion, to serving in just about every role the West Virginia State Athletic Commission offers. During last year’s Ohio Valley Toughman Contest at WesBanco Arena, she became the first female referee in the Mountain State, a feat that still stands today.

“I like to refer to myself as a fight official,” she said prior to the first night of the 45th annual Ohio Valley Toughman Contest. “Judging is my primary job, I have refereed, I have inspected, I’ve done just about everything you can do, but judging is definitely my favorite thing to do.

“I was the first (female) to referee a boxing match in West Virginia, so I need to get a better understanding of the grappling game before I make my move to MMA.”

In 2021, Chervanek received her license and recently joined the National Amateur Boxing Federation (NABF) as a member. I plan on attending some of their rules conferences.

When judging a fight, the 28-year-old said she looks for several factors.

“Ultimately who has control of the fight. The fighter that usually controls the fight wins the fight,” she noted. “Sometimes it’s quality over quantity. This is an opinion-based sport because of the (10-point-per-round) scoring system that we use. Who initiates the action. Who wins the exchanges is what it all boils down too.”

Chervanek actually wanted to be a professional while growing up.

“I always wanted to be a professional wrestler. That’s what I wanted to do,” she stressed. “I never had a liking for boxing. I never really watched it or anything. Towards the end of my (boxing) career, I suffered a lot of injuries.

“I’ve got a bad neck and issues with my ears, but being a judge allows me to give back to a sport that gave me so much. It’s something that I can’t stress enough to people. My childhood was not ideal, but this was the No. 1 outlet for me. Boxing probably saved my life. It helps you mentally and physically. I recommend it to anyone even if you want the competition, the exercise alone is good for you”

She last fought in 2022.

“Never say never,” Chervanek said of a return to the squared-circle. “I do have a record of 12-4, but, like I said, never say never. I have been training again, but I have no interest in fighting again at this time, as far as boxing goes.”

When not judging a fight or working out, Chervanek has a daytime job that keeps her busy, as well.

“I’m Deputy Director of the Belmont County Board of Elections. I help manage the elections in Belmont County and I’m thankful for that position,” she said. “I’m very politically active, locally active. I really do want what is best for Belmont County. Eventually, I would like to be the candidate and seek the office so I can really fight for the people of Belmont County.”