And the Tamworth Fighting Arts martial artist-come boxer has the belt to prove it after defeating Armidale’s Clarrisa Edwards to claim the Northern NSW title.

“She won on unanimous points decision,” her trainer and Battle In the Bush event organiser Ben Burrage said.

Burrage had seven of his charges stepping into the ring, some for the first time.

Joel Collins was one of those, the 17-year-old scoring a draw in his 70kg light middleweight fight.

Ben Williams also won his battle with Westside’s Ryan Ferrer on points.

“That would have been the fight of the night,” Burrage said.

“He’s (Ferrer) a real shining prospect.”

For Barnett, Saturday was her first fight since undergoing hip surgery in April.

“My last fight was 12 months ago,” Barnett said.

“I won a kicking title. It was nearly exactly (a year) to the day.”

It’s been a long and hard road to recovery, making the win all the more satisfying.

“I was nervous – home crowd and 12 months off,” she admitted.

She was also fighting a weight division up on what she normally fights  but, despite that, came out swinging.

“I felt like I dominated the majority of the fight,” she said.

That will be it for a while with the gloves now though.

“I’ve got a kick fight in three weeks down in Sydney,” Barnett said.

Saturday night was a test for that. Kicking is where her heart lies.

“I started out in boxing,” she said.

“Then we went to Thailand and it all changed.

“I became a kicker.”

Williams had only had two previous fights.

He’s only been fighting for a about a year and a half after starting as a way to keep fit for footy.

“I’ve been training on and off during footy season,” the Kootingal half said.

He usually tries to get to the gym a couple of times a week, although footy is his  priority.

But the two work off each other well.

The boxing has certainly helped with his fitness. Also muscle fatigue and hand eye coordination.

His work ethic is one of the things that has impressed Burrage.

“The way he trains I just thought this bloke’s got something,” Burrage said.

It was a close tussle between Williams and Ferrer.

“It was a good solid fight,” Williams said.

“I didn’t know anything about him.

“We stuck to our plan and it paid off fortunately.”

He wasn’t sure what was up next but said Burrage does have a couple of fights in line for him.

And he won’t be too long away lacing up the boots again with pre-season starting around January.

It will  likely be a different-looking Roosters side lining up to defend their title next season after a few retirements.