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Rita “La Guera”
Figueroa, 5’4” born June 1, 1969 in Chicago – fights at lightweight or
Junior Welterweight.
Figueroa did not intend to be a boxer, and started rather late. In 1997,
she began taking martial arts classes at Degerberg Academy of Martial
Arts in Chicago at the age of 27. The head instructor at the time, now
Super Middleweight contender Oscar Bravo, was getting some fights
together for an in-school tournament, and asked if she was interested.
Figueroa told WBAN, "That was it. I loved it. Oscar was my original
trainer and mentor, and he guided me to a few kickboxing victories – no
losses. The shows were few and far between, so in 1999, Oscar took me
over to Windy City Gym in Chicago to see if I wanted to box, and to work
with famed Chicago trainer Sam Colonna. Sam has been my trainer (and
Oscar’s) ever since as well as fellow Black Belt Angela Gibson."
Not having a lot of amateur experience , Figueroa won the Chicago Golden
Gloves in 2001-2004, and won the 2000 Women’s Gear Up tournament in
Indiana, while still training in the Martial Arts and earning her 1st
Degree Black Belt in November of 2003.
She made my pro debut Oct 15, 2004 in Chicago against Courtney Elliot of
Cleveland, Ohio. Eliot landed some good shots in the first round, but
after the nerves settled a bit, Figueroa picked it up and her opponent
did not come out for round three.
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On January 14, 2005,
she fought tough Sarina Hayden of Colorado in what was a
four-round war.
On April 8th, 2005, Figueroa fought tough
veteran Janae Archuleta, of Colorado. In an editorial, by CBZ,
they reported, "Chicago's ever-popular Rita Figueroa (136 lbs., 2-0-0, 1
KO) showed discipline and science in decisioning rough slugger Janae
Archuleta (140 lbs., 4-10-1, 2 KO’s). Round one was a pleasing display
of give and take, with Archuleta swinging freely with both hands at the
beginning, but getting tagged early on with several potent rights. The
two traded solid slugging with perhaps Archuleta edging in the
infighting. Figueroa started round two more mobile, boxing
side to side, and landing by far the greater preponderance of effective
blows, even as Archuleta continued to bull her way in. Round three
saw more precise bombing and blocking from Rita even as Archuleta sought
to press matters behind a free-swinging attack. Figueroa’s right cheek
swelled grotesquely from an accidental head butt. In round four,
Archuleta attacked with a vengeance, landing a pair of potent right
hooks to the head. Following suit, she hammered away with rights and
lefts to head and body. However, Figueroa covered well and countered
neatly behind a tight guard, dropping in effective rights to the head.
At rounds end, the two exchanged in a rousing finale that left the
boisterous crowd amazed. The judges scored the bout 38-38 and 39-37
twice for a majority decision for the popular Rita Figueroa."On June 10th, 2005, Figueroa fought
Jasmine Davis of Madison WI. Jasmine trains out of the Duke Rufous
school in Milwaukee, and with Duke being known in the Martial Arts
community.
On Sept 16, 2005, fought Maria Nava in a scheduled 6 round fight that
would go the distance. A report of this bout is on Fightnews.com.
On September 16, 2005, was a special
night for Figueroa, when Oscar Bravo, original trainer and great friend,
fought on the same card as she and he won by TKO.
Figueroa is promoted by Dominic Pesoli of 8 Count Productions and
trained by Sam Colonna and Angela Gibson, a fellow Black Belt at
Degerberg Academy.
Figueroa told WBAN, "The past 5 years in
boxing have allowed me incredible experiences that I would not have had
otherwise. I love the sport and hope continue boxing and enjoying the
sport for years to come."
Figueroa is happily married to husband of 12 years, Mike, and they have
a 17 year old daughter, Sahara. "We all enjoy riding our Harleys
when we’re not working or training. Both husband and daughter are
training for their Black Belts", Added Figueroa.
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