LUCIA RIJKER

Four time World Champion Kickboxer Lucia Rijker has been referred to as “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World,” “Queen of Lightning” and “Lady Ali.”

Overseas she has defeated 25 of her 36 opponents by first round knockout. Her record of 36-0 has made her an international superstar and her speed and strength has impressed worldwide audiences. She is a woman of steel will, intellect and empowered femininity, which makes her a role model to many. She represents the face of new opportunity for women.

Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Rijker began training in Judo at the age of six. At seven, she became a member of the Dutch National Softball Team. At thirteen, she began fencing and went on to become the Netherlands Junior Champion. Rijker then began Kickboxing at the gym of Johan Vas, one of the most respected training facilities in Holland. 

She primarily trained with male Kickboxing, Boxing and Judo champions.

After establishing a 7-0 record, she defeated American Women’s World Boxing Champion Vivian Gonzales in three rounds, thus claiming notoriety for her. Her subsequent four years of fighting gained further international recognition as she fought in Japan, China and most recently after moving to the United States, a resounding victory over the American fighter Melinda “Rockin’ Robinson” in a 90 second first round knockout.  Currently residing in Los Angeles, Rijker has continued her undefeated boxing streak with a first round knockout over Kelly Jacobs in Reno, Nevada on December 6, 1996.

Rijker decided to go back to Holland for the holidays and test her skills, where she defeated Susanna Szuknai of Hungary in a first round TKO on December 17, 1996. In 1997 she captured the WIBF European Championship from Irma Verhoef of Holland with a fourth round TKO on February 4, 1997.

Confident in her abilities, Rijker was now hungry for a championship title in the United States. On a March 22, 1997 pay-per-view event, Rijker demonstrated her boxing talents by knocking out Chevelle Hallback in the fifth round. 

On May 14, 1997, Rijker fought Dora Webber and won a sixth-round decision. In the last half of 1997, Rijker has done away with Gwen Smith, Andrea Deshong and Jeannette Witte, all by way of knockout. Still undefeated, Rijker has demonstrated her superior skills and abilities; and she has been the subject of recent television specials by ABC’s Wide World of Sports and HBO’s Boxing Series.

One of her latest feats was accomplished when she knocked out Mary Ann Almager on the FOX Network boxing special hosted by Oscar de la Hoya on March 23rd. On September 25th at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut Lucia handily defeated Marcela Acuna, for the WIBO Title, in 5 rounds to bring her record to 12-0, 11 wins by way of knockout. Lucia’s latest fight was on April 18, 1999 televised on FoxSports vs. Britt VanBuskirk. Rijker won by TKO in the third round.  She fought Diane Dutra, defeating her in Vegas, she is now undefeated at 14-0.

After the fight in 1999, Rijker took a break from fighting and went to Hollywood, getting minor roles in many movies, the most notable being Million Dollar Baby. But, the urge to step back into the ring became too strong  to resist and Lucia returned in February 2002, beating Jane Couch in an eight round decision for her 16th win. In May 2004, Rijker got her 17th win in a ten round decision with Sunshine Fettkether.  A main card fight with a $250,000 guarantee and a $750,000 purse was scheduled between Rijker and Christy Martin in 2005 but unfortunately an Achilles tendon rupture sidelined Lucia and she has not fought since.

These days, Lucia Rijker still trains and also gives lectures and motivational seminars to athletes about the importance of doing their best, training and maintaining a good, healthy diet.

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