Falkirk Phoenix boxer makes strong return to ring after Commonwealth Games bow
Falkirk Phoenix Boxing Club’s Stephanie Kernachan made an impressive return to the ring last week, competing for the first time since representing Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 34-year-old travelled to Tampere in Finland to take part in the prestigious Tammer Tournament, an event with a 45-year history that has attracted some of boxing’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Oscar De La Hoya and Mike Tyson.
Kernachan has built an outstanding record during a career spanning almost 20 years. She has won six Scottish titles across three different weight divisions, represented Scotland more than 50 times, secured two GB titles and collected numerous medals at international multi-nation tournaments.
She also made history by becoming the first Scottish female boxer to win a GB title and the first Scottish woman to compete at a World Championships. Since then, she has appeared at two World Championships, in India in 2018 and England in 2025, before fulfilling a lifelong ambition by representing Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
Following her career-defining appearance at the Games, there had been speculation that Kernachan might consider hanging up her gloves. However, after taking a short break, she was soon back in training at Falkirk Phoenix, based at the Mariner Centre, as well as attending Elite Boxing Group sessions at the National High Performance Centre in Bridgeton and the Institute of Sport at the Emirates Arena.
Her return to competition in Finland began with a quarter-final draw against a home boxer. However, after her Finnish opponent withdrew, Kernachan received a walkover into the semi-finals.
There she faced 2026 French Champion Aya Hamdi and produced an excellent performance against the taller opponent. Kernachan used her reach and accuracy to good effect, landing stiff straight lefts and powerful single rights to both the head and body.
Her work was rewarded with a 4-1 split-decision victory, with four judges scoring in her favour and only one narrowly preferring the French boxer.
The victory booked Kernachan a place in the final, where she faced Indian boxer Aarti Dhariyal, a multi-medal winner who had secured a comfortable semi-final victory over Brazilian and South American Champion Anna Linhares.
Kernachan looked relaxed and confident in the final, appearing to be enjoying her boxing again following the demands of her Commonwealth Games campaign.
She was sharp and accurate throughout, mixing her work at close quarters with well-selected shots from distance.
The contest proved to be a closely fought affair, with both boxers having their moments.
Although many felt the bout could have gone either way, all five judges ultimately awarded the decision to Dhariyal, leaving Kernachan with a well-earned silver medal.
Reflecting on her return to the ring and her performances in Finland, Kernachan said: "I am absolutely delighted with my performances at this tournament! I feel like I have a new lease of life and am enjoying my boxing in a way I haven't for some time. “I thought I was in with a shout for the gold, but I have no complaints about the decision and will head home happy to have bagged a silver at such a prestigious tournament."