(SEPT 2) WBAN ran a Boxing Poll in
August giving the Boxing Community an opportunity to give their
input as to who they thought were the TOP TEN RISING STARS in the
sport.
WBAN divided two lists with the first
list of the top ten who had 10 fights or less, and/or was an
amateur. The second list were the top ten boxers who had over 10
professional fights. These boxers should be extremely proud, being
picked by boxing fans out of literally thousands of women boxers
both pro and amateur. The poll ended on August 31, 2008.
In Alphabetical order
(Left to Right): Boxers listed with 10 fights or less and/or Amateur
Over 10 Professional Fights
(alphabetical order - Left to right)
Honorable Mention: Tia
Daniels, Johana Mendez, Mary McGee, Brooke Dierdorff, Adawirky
Lopez, Sarah Pucek, Tammy Franks, Akondaye Fountain, Ijeoma
Egbunine, Conjestina Achieng, Hondi Hernandez, Crystal Delgado,
Lindsay Garbatt.
Top Hot Pick Comments about
these Rising Stars!
Marlen Esparza: She is a six time national champion. I got to
see her last year when she moved up a weight at ringside and
defeated Canada’s national champ at 110 pounds with no problem.
Brooke Dierdorff: Because she never turns down any fights and
she only wants to fight the best out there! She has already fought 4
of the top women in her weight class with just 8 fights!
Susi Kentikian: - Excellent professional record; Good style;
Good character; and she managed to become a champion despite of
social and political obstacles.
Kaliesha West: Kaliesha and I both grew up together in the
sport. She has been working her behind since the amateurs. Slowly
but surely she has progressed in the professional level. I am proud
of this girl, she definitely deserves to be in the top ten if not
the number one top boxer. She knows her skills not only goes in and
brawls. Good luck Keliesha. [Christy Martinon]
Holly Holm: Holly Holm should be nominated because it doesn’t
get much better in women's boxing than her. She has won an untold
number of belts and just came off a UNANIMOUS decision win over the
UNDEFEATED Mary Jo Sanders. Her skill is unrivaled in more than one
weight class and she carries herself like a true champion. To be
honest, I also am from and live in her home town so I have been able
to see her amazing talent in person.
Ann Marie Saccurato: She just regained her lightweight
championship for the 3rd time. She travels all over the globe to
fight, e.g. just regained her belt fighting in Tokyo, Japan. She
puts all of herself into every fight, and fights fearlessly.
Additionally, she's a very outgoing, charismatic personality with a
great personal story.
Jennifer Barber: She has an unblemished record. And I have
personally watched her train and she is one of the hardest workers I
have ever seen.
Ava Knight: I believe Ava Knight should be nominated as the
top ten rising stars is because she has the confidence and ambition
to become the best boxer she can be. She hasn't lost a fight yet and
she has knocked out New Jersey's best. I am so proud of her and I
think she is going to be the next Ali.
Carina Moreno: I helped coach her on the World Team in 2001
and have watched her grow since. I knew she had the skill to be a
pro champion even back then. Her boxing skill is unmatched at this
time. As a plus she and her coach are wonderful giving people. She
is #1.
Kaliesha West: As a USA Boxing official Level III, I have had
the opportunity to be a judge at numerous venues where she
participated. I have seen her skills and determination come to
fruition at a professional bout at Harrahs' Rincon Casino last Fall
2007. She was tested by a very crafty opponent, however she skills
and tenacity pulled her through to victory. I believe that she is
worthy of my nomination. Fred Block
Ann Marie Saccurato: Ann-Marie has the unique distinction of
winning the WBC Lightweight World title against three separate World
Champions--all in the other boxers hometown! She has beaten Jelena
Mrdjenovich, Jessica Rakoczy and Emiko Raika, all without the
hometown advantage. She is a staunch advocate of both professional
and Olympic-style women's boxing and is an excellent role model for
the sport. She is not afraid to travel anywhere to prove she is one
of the best. She puts on entertaining main event fights and is a
real crowd pleaser with her combination of punching power and boxing
skills. She is a class act and is a well spoken ambassador for the
sport both in and out of the ring. Angel Bovee
Katie Taylor: Katie has turned down a lot of money to stay as
an amateur because she wants to win gold at the 2012 Olympics, Katie
is very skilled and will take women's boxing in the uk to a new
level because the IOC don't want women's boxing in the Olympics
which is a disgrace, hopefully Katie will get her way and encourage
much needed publicity in the women's game in the uk.
Jeannine Garside: Jeannine made the giant step up and
valiantly fought Chevelle Hallback on June 13, exhibiting class,
heart, skill and a true championship attitude. Altho she was not
victorious, she made an impression on those present with a gutsy
performance against one of the premier female fighters ever,
Chevelle Hallback.
Jennifer Barber: I think that Jennifer has proven to me and
everyone that she's a "Star". Jennifer is a very skilled boxer and
also has a great personality as a person. I also applaud the support
that she has from her family members and friends. I'm definitely a
"BIG" fan and supporter of Jennifer. Best of luck Jennifer and you
are always shining in my book!
Hondi Hernandez: I trained in the same gym as Hondi for a
short time, and she is clearly a natural talent in the sport. If
Hondi's work ethic allows, she could go far in women's boxing.
Esther Schouten: On verge of breaking into top competitors of
the world, was derailed by cancer treatment. She is now back and
possibly better than before. Reminds me of Lance Armstrong.
WBAN would like to give a special thanks to all that
participated in the Boxing Poll!
Worldwide
