(DEC 7) I left for Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Wednesday, December 1. I barely missed the press conference unfortunately because by the time I got to the Route 66 Casino Hotel, it was already over. The following day, I attended the weigh-in for the boxing event that was set to take place on Friday night, December 3rd at the Route 66 Casino Hotel.

The weigh-in had a great turn out, and I was able to meet up with some of the women boxers for the first time. I have covered them on WBAN for years, but never got to meet some of them in person. There were three women's bouts on the card.

Main event, Holly Holm vs. Ann-Marie Saccurato, 10 rounds, fighting for the IBA and WBAN Junior welterweight world title belt.

Saccurato (left)  Holm (right)

WBAN Belt (left)  IBA Belt (Right)

This particular fight between Holm and Saccurato made a another "history mark"  for WBAN, as it is the first time that we had two boxers fighting a second time for one of the WBAN Belts. Holly Holm, currently held the WBAN Junior Middleweight belt, and would now fight for the 140 title.  Saccurato had fought for the junior welterweight title over a year ago against Myriam Lamare, who [Lamare] ultimately won the belt. 

Co-Main, Victoria Cisneros vs. Chevelle Hallback. These two were fighting eight rounds at lightweight division.

Cisneros (left)  Hallback (right)

This was a true test for Victoria Cisneros. As usual, the warrior that Cisneros has proven time and time again, she was taking on a very tough veteran in the sport.

Undercard, Savanna Hill vs. Jodi Esquibel. These two were fighting a six round bout.

Jodi Esquibel

Savanna Hill

Others at the weigh-in:  Female boxers Tonia Cravens, Thaddine Johnson; . Retired boxers/special guests of event: Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos, Founder and President of the Retired Boxers Foundation,  Bob Foster, WBC Light Heavyweight champion. In addition: Billy C. of Billy C Boxing, Brad Hill, Manager/husband of Savanna Hill. 

Billy C. (left)  Alex Ramos (Right)

Bob Foster (left)  Alex Ramos (right)


Female Boxer - Tonia Cravens

Holly Holm autographing a robe that Stephanie Jaramillo donated to WBAN.  Jaramillo wore this yellow robe when she had her last fight with Holly Holm.  I brought the Robe to New Mexico to have Holm sign it.  Jaramillo had also previously autographed the back of the robe.

Lenny Fresquez at the weigh-in (right)

FIGHT NIGHT - DEUCES WILD
Part II to be published soon

WBAN has New Group Facebook  WBAN has just listed a new Group Facebook "Women Boxing Archive Network" exclusively for women's boxing.  We would like to have the Group Facebook for women's boxing worldwide for links to stories, for WBAN readers, and more.   To join WBAN's Facebook