(FEB 10) Last night in Laughlin, Nevada, Ava Knight, 112, of Chico, California, in an action-packed bout, won a six-round unanimous decision over Sharon Gaines, 111.  Final judges scores were 58-56 on all cards.  Butch Gottlieb told WBAN, “Look at Knight to be wearing a belt in this sport, she is fantastic.”

 Ava tasted sweet victory after her team felt that she was given an unfair decision in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in January,  when she fought Jodi Esquibel and the fight ended in a split draw. 

 Andy Rivera of the New Mexico Sports News website reported from Ringside, “Ava Knight and Jodi Esquibel fought to a disputable draw, as Knight controlled the action by landing hard shots to the head of Esquibel , mostly off counters after Esquibel missed.

Knight caused Esquibel's nose to open up in the second from hard right hands. Several times through the fight Knight backed Esquibel to the ropes or off her with hard punches. Most at ringside felt Knight had captured the fight 3-1 in rounds, and 39-37 on points.”  

Knight began her boxing career at 13 years old.  She was introduced to boxing by her father.  Before turning pro, she had a very successful amateur career. 

Photo: Tom Hernandez of NewMexicoSportsNews.com