Bree Howling is a rising star in the women’s bantamweight division, according to veteran cutman Aaron Navarro. And we may find out if he’s right sooner rather than later.
Howling will return to the ring Friday night at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, facing Beata Dudek (4-3, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout as part of a Most Valuable Promotions event to be broadcast on DAZN.
The Canada-born Howling (7-0, 2 KOs), who now trains in Houston, has been steadily climbing the ranks. According to Navarro, who has worked with some of the best in the sport, the 26-year-old Howling is on the brink of something big. Navarro will be in her corner once again, serving as her cutman.
“Bree’s the real deal,” Navarro said. “She’s a consummate pro, always training hard, always doing everything the right way. She’s got a good style – she can box, but she can also fight. She’s crowd-pleasing and not afraid to mix it up.”
Navarro got involved with Howling through her head trainer and boyfriend, Declan Walsh, who also serves as Regis Prograis’ nutritionist.
“We met Declan through Regis, and when he brought Bree to us, we knew we were working with someone special,” Navarro said. “She’s got that all-around combat sports background – kickboxing, MMA – before transitioning to boxing. It’s made her tough, versatile and smart in the ring.”
Navarro noted Howling’s performance in her last fight in Philadelphia, where, in her first eight-rounder, she took on former titleholder Nancy Franco – a test she passed with flying colors.
“Bree showed me something in that fight,” Navarro said. “Her ring IQ was higher than I expected at this stage. She handled some things on the inside that showed real maturity.”
Navarro is confident that Howling has what it takes to make a serious impact in the sport.
“She’s got some pop, she’s exciting to watch, and she’s smart,” he said. “I think in the next year or so, you’re going to start hearing her name a lot more. She’s got it all – the skills, the look, the heart. Bree Howling is definitely one to keep an eye on.”
As Howling steps into the ring this weekend – and moving forward – Navarro will be ready when, as he believes, the time comes for her to make the leap.
“I really believe Bree is going to blow up soon,” Navarro said. “She’s got the tools, and she’s putting it all together. It’s just a matter of time.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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