But after Sommerville's technical knockout there were no hard feelings: "she gave me a hug and was crying, we both knew exactly why we were there."
Sommerville said she wasn't scared before the bout because of her motivation to go against the netball veteran.
Her father Greg was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and died 13 months later.
Sommerville also had two uncles, an aunt, and her father's best friend pass away from the disease.
She said: "it's really important that Cranford Hospice get support so they are able to get out there, they help so many people."
Sommerville said the most frustrating part of the match wasn't her defeat, but that she wasn't able to show the hard work she had put in with Napier Boxing Club trainer Ryan Whittaker.
"I was training for eight weeks, seven days a week ... I've grown so much as a boxer."
Though "its quite hard on the body", it was also a mental effort.
"It's not something I ever thought I would have done, its been a major mind shift.
"I was taught to stand tall, and to not inflict pain on anyone and I've had to completely change those things".
Though Sommerville thought she would keep up the boxing training, she wasn't sure yet what the next thing she'd put her hand up for would be.
"I'm not afraid of challenges. This was one of the biggest challenges but I don't regret it for a second."
Former All Black Zac Guildford also lost against his opponent reality TV star Art Green in the Burger King Fight For Life. He began strong with relentless blows pummelling Green before he was forced into the defensive late in the first round. Guildford was able to land more shots but Green fought back with forceful hits, one sending Guildford's head flying backwards and resulting in a standing eight-count.
The fight went to Green with a unanimous decision from the judges. Minutes after his defeat, Guildford challenged Green to a rematch.
