(AUG 8) LAS VEGAS - - On
September 16th, on the morning of boxing's next mega-fight,
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin, boxing's "Raging Babes"
will gather at Mandalay Bay to celebrate and honor WBC Cares
Chair and Journalist Jill Diamond at the Raging Babe Brunch,
dubbed "Shine Bright." Diamond joins an exclusive group of women
who have received the award - a group that includes promoters,
journalists and executives who blazed the trail for other women
in the boxing industry.
A WBC/NABF Official and Supervisor, Diamond has devoted her life
to boxing, a passion that was ignited by her father-in-law,
Clyde "The Texas Tornado" Chastain, and cultivated over years of
service and volunteerism. Diamond is the International Chair of
WBC Cares, a program that assists impoverished children in 165
countries around the world. She is also the Director of World
Champions for Hope, an organization that encourages professional
athletes to mentor young talent, and awards scholarships.
Earlier this year, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame honored
Diamond with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Diamond has championed women in boxing since she first walked
into a boxing gym in 2005. She originally joined the gym to
raise her spirts after her husband's passing, but it quickly
became clear she's found her calling in elevating women in and
outside the ring, in a sport long-dominated by men. After
realizing she rarely heard of female boxers competing, Diamond
reached out to then WBC President, Jose Suliaman, asking why
there were no female boxing champions. Diamond was surprised to
receive an invitation from Suliaman to that year's WBC
Convention in Spain, and was even more surprised to learn, on
her arrival, that she was named in the Convention program as a
member of the Women's Championship Committee. In that same year,
WBC's profile began to elevate, and it sanctioned the very first
Women's Championship bout. Other sanctioning bodies followed
suit. It was just the beginning of what's been more than a 20
year tenure in the sport for Diamond.
"It's a terrific honor," said Diamond of being slated to receive
the Raging Babe Luminary Award. "It's also a real giggle,
because events like this one show how far women in boxing have
come. When I began working in boxing in 2005, there weren't many
women in the business. In any industry, when the pie is so
small, people fight for crumbs. The fact that events like this
exist, and that women are now supporting and opening doors for
each other, shows how much women's roles in boxing have
evolved." Diamond continued, "To be honored by other women means
the world to me. It warms my heart."
"It's such an honor that Jill agreed to be honored at this
year's brunch," said Raging Babe founder Michelle Rosado. "She
has dedicated her life to boxing, and specifically furthering
the interests of women in boxing, and has devoted herself to
service of others. She truly thrives on her passion, and all of
boxing is better for it. She sets such a great example for women
and men entering the business. I'm very excited to honor her on
September 16th."
Proceeds from the brunch, which will be held at Mandalay Bay's
Border Grill, will benefit the Prichard Colon Foundation, which
helps cover the exorbitant medical and insurance costs for the
young fighter who suffered a brain injury in 2015. For those
interested in donating directly to the Prichard Colon
Foundation, donations may be deposited in Scotia Bank account
directed to Fundación Puerto Rico Unido por Prichard Colon,
account number 92100011708.
The Raging Babe Brunch is a labor of love for Rosado, and relies
solely on the support of donations and sponsor contributions.
Thank you Golden Boy Promotions, Champs Boxing Club, John
Francis Agency, WAR TAPE, World Champions for Hope, Boxing
Insider, Big Berns Boxing Promotions, Porter Hy-Performance
Center and Red Beach Advisors for making this event possible.
For information on sponsoring or attending "Shine Bright,"
please contact Michelle Rosado at michelle@ragingbabe.com.
