Hof der dingen - Boxing gloves from Delfine Persoon

“You’ve got to work for it, and when you fully commit, you have a bigger chance of succeeding.” 

Delfine Persoon – currently residing in Lichtervelde – is a Belgian professional boxer who has won multiple world championships. But boxing is just one part of her life. She also works as a police officer and runs her own boxing ghym – a place where she trains and mentors the next generation of upcoming boxing talent. 

Her many trophies are proudly on display in the gym’s cafetaria. 

“We do that to motivate the young ones—to show them what they can achieve if they work hard for it.Boxing is a tough sport. If you're having a bad day, your opponent won’t go easy on you. Quite the opposite—they’ll take full advantage and exploit the opportunity to the fullest. It’s a very primal sport—you’re quite literally getting knocked over and knocked aroudn all the time. That’s why we always say that just stepping in the boxing ring is a victory in itself."

For Delfine, the gym is more than just a training space—it’s a safe haven for youngsters. 

“We want to guide and coach young people. We’re well aware that not everyone gets the same chances in life. Many come in thoroughly frustrated by what life has thrown at them. They need a safe outlet for those frustrations. Better that they let it out here, than fighting in the middle of the streets, no?”. 

Despite her fierce reputation in the boxing ring, Delfine is calm and collected when on duty as a police officer. 

“People often ask me if I’ve been involved in many physical altercations during police interventions. But honestly? I have very thick skin and I’m an excellent judge of character. Often, you just need to use common sense. Arguing with someone who’s noticeably drunk? That will not get you anywhere. Just go along with whatever they’re saying and nine times out of ten, they’ll easily cooperate.” 

She laughs and proudly adds: “You know what – I may just be a farmer’s daughter… But I was a world champion, wasn’t I?