Sue TL Fox, Founder and President of  WBAN,  and the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.  In about 1999,  Fox created the history-first  Special segment, of  "©Women Cops Who Box".  Fox is a RETIRED POLICE OFFICER from the State of OREGON, and worked in law enforcement with part of that time in detectives, and on a narcotics task force.  Fox fought professionally in the late 1970s and competed as an amateur in full-contact karate and light contact Karate.  Fox also worked with the Police Activities League (PAL) in Portland,  Oregon working with youths as a coach/instructor in boxing and karate.  Fox's Biography

Puerto Rican professional boxer and law enforcement officer serving the Broward County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy

Female Puerto Rican professional boxer and law enforcement officer. She currently lives in Miami Dade and serving the Broward County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy. Her current boxing record is 8-1-0 (2KO).  She has won the NBA Super Welterweight Champion, and WBC Latin champion.  Carranza told WBAN, "I also own a boxing gym in Fort Lauderdale that makes five years in September. I’m extremely involved in the community on many levels. From book bag drives, toy drives, feeding our homeless population, and so much more. I’ve dedicated myself to training but also to my community." "As a law enforcement officer, I want to break barriers and show that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, just as I have in boxing.  Today, I continue to train, compete, and protect, " added Carranza. Photo credit/Facebook/courtesy Full story

Kyana Williams, goes from victim of a Crime, to becoming a Police officer - She has a fascinating story!

Kyana Williams, an amateur female boxer who recently won a bronze medal, is also a Providence Police Officer, looking to be a detective.  Williams, said, "Police work,  you have to genuinely love your job. You have to be comfortable making uncomfortable decisions for other people. You are put in positions where you see people at their lowest.  I tell people all the time you aren’t a bad person you just made a bad decision. And to the victims,  I reiterate "it’ll be alright---because even if it’s not. It will be”. And to my fellow officers that have to bear the responsibilities of everyone else’s problems, I reiterate you aren’t alone. I tell people all the time to “treat yourself like someone you love”. You might be surprised how far it takes you.  To Read her Biography, go here

Police Officer from Las Vegas: Her amazing Road That Melinda Cooper has Taken in and out of the Ring!

It has been quite an amazing road for retired world champion and Hall of Famer Melinda "La Maravilla" Cooper, of Las Vegas, Nevada.  I first began covering Melinda Cooper when she was just a mere kid, as an amateur boxer.  One day as I was checking out the emails coming into WBAN, we received a photo of Cooper from Las Vegas Photographer Mary Ann Owen.  Owen went on to introduce me to this young amateur and kept WBAN updated for many years as Cooper progressed through the sport. Full Story

Ann Marie Carrizales, a female police officer who after being shot in the face continued to pursue the suspects, was nicknamed 'Robocop'

Officer Ann Marie Carrizales has an amazing story, not only as a police officer and all the awards and honors she has received in Law Enforcement, a police officer who survived being shot in the face and chest and continued to pursure the suspects after being shot! But while on active military duty, Officer Carrizales made Marine Corps history when she became the FIRST WOMAN to represent the Marine Corps in the sport of amateur boxing and was ultimately inducted into the All-Marine Boxing Hall of Fame. In 1999, Carrizales became the U.S. Women’s National Light Welterweight Champion/Gold Medalist, ranked #1 in the country. She would once again become a part of history by being selected to compete on the first Women’s U.S. International Boxing Team representing the United States in Turku, Finland. Full Story

Melanie Costa:  Norton Golden Gloves champ and Mansfield police officer

Melanie Costa, better known as “The Pit Bull” to her fighting peers. She is a 30-year old, and resident of Norton, MA.  In the ring, Costa is a determined fighter and strong competitor.  In her personal life, she is known to be friendly, well-liked by peers, by friends and family, yet known for discipline. Costa takes pride in applying both her strong work ethic and a positive attitude to all aspects of my life. Costa said told WBAN her background of boxing and more:  Where, when I am not training, I have the honor to be a law enforcement officer. Serving the Norton community in full time capacities for the last three years. I love the job and highly enjoy the challenge of encountering new situations, with the excitement that consistently meeting new people brings."  Full Story

Belgium’s Delfine Persoon added to Women Cops Who Box! by Sue TL Fox

(November 7, 2021) WBAN has just added one of the top female boxers, Belgium’s Delfine Persoon in the world to our “Women Cops Who Box” segment. Persoon has been fighting professionally since 2009.  Delfine Persoon, one of the top female boxers in the world, has accumulated close to 50 pro fights, and world title belts in the process! Added to her resume, she also works in law enforcement!  Full Story

Kathy "The Shadow" Williams a Professional Boxer and Police Officer from Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada

Kathy Williams, Retired professional boxer Kathy Williams boxed professionally from 1998 to 2003.  At the time she was listed as a police officer  from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  She retired from boxing, at having a 13-5-0 (4KO) record, and winning a WIBA  Super Flyweight World champion in 2000 during her career. Williams was a fine example of the new breed of women boxers during this time who step into the professional boxing ring after first getting a thorough schooling in the fundamentals as amateurs. Kathy also was a two-time Canadian national amateur champion who also represented her country in international tournaments in Sweden and Finland. [Full biography of Kathy Williams when she was currently boxing and when we covered her active fighting career.]

Final Tribute to Police Officer Natalie Corona; and former amateur boxer

(Jan. 18, 2019)  Today the Memorial Service was held in Davis, California, for slain rookie officer Natalie Corona, just 22 years old when she was killed on duty.  According to news sources Officer Corona was ambushed Thursday night while responding to a three-vehicle crash, Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel said.  In addition to Natalie fulfilling her dream of being a police officer, and following in her father's [Merced Corona---a retired Colusa County sheriff's sergeant], and she was a former amateur boxer.  Full Story

Tracy Byrd, retired multi-world champion and former police officer from Michigan

Tracy Byrd, retired multi-world champion and former police officer from Michigan, was one of the first to headline an all women’s boxing card with Event Entertainment Promotions on PPV; a first to appear as a boxing family (brother, sister & parents) on USA Tuesday Night Fights; and the first female to become a world champion from Flint, Michigan. Tracy said, "I began at the age of 32 and endured 10 years in the second best sport of my life, next to basketball...I was able to travel all over the world and took pride in being a "trailblazer" for other women. Tracy was inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. Tracy's journey in boxing not only brought her personal achievements, but it also paved the way for future generations of female fighters. As a retired multi-world champion and former police officer from Michigan, Tracy's impact extended beyond the boxing ring. Her determination, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire women in sports and beyond.

Terri Moss "The Boss" a Former Police officer, retired multi-world champion and Hall of Famer

Terri Moss, a retired multi-world champion, was inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. She later became part of the IWBHF as Director of Marketing/Promotion. Moss started her career as a campus police officer at the University of Georgia while also earning her bachelor's degree there. She then transitioned into local law enforcement, specializing in narcotics investigations.  “It was a pretty interesting job,” she says. “I worked undercover, and we did search warrants … I liked to work behind the scenes and figure out who did what and go after them that way.” 
She particularly enjoyed sting operations. Currently, Moss is a successful promoter in Georgia, organizing numerous boxing events.

Irma "Tornado" Garcia - World Champion, Lawyer,  and Police Officer in Mexico!

Irma "Tornado" Garcia, who has been boxing professional since 2010, and is currently fighting the very best in the sport. She is ranked #3 in the world, and has fought more than 20 plus pro bouts.  Garcia is passionate about combating discrimination and violence against women in Mexico, saying "I must confess that the road has not been easy. It's amazing that in this century we still have to deal with the macho mentality of many who still discriminate (against people) because they are women." [More on Irma Garcia].

Samantha Salazar Dallas Police Officer by Day ---Professional Boxer by Night!

5'4" flyweight, Samantha “The Enforcer” Salazar, born March 27, 1986,  is a professional female boxer from Dallas, Texas. She’s a police officer by day and dedicates most of her spare time in the gym training boxing and caring for her family.  Salazar began professionally boxing in August of 2015. 

Tiara Brown a Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer

Tiara Brown, an elite amateur boxer who turned pro in September 2016.  She not only a boxer by night, but a Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer.  She is currently signed with Lou Dibella, of DiBella Entertainment.  Thus far, since her last pro fight, she is currently undefeated as of June 30, 2018.   Brown is originally from Myers, Florida. 

Missy "The Fury" Fiorentino - Retired World Champion and  a Rhode Island Deputy Marshall

Missy "The Fury" Fiorentino from Cranston, Rhode Island boxed professionally from 2001 - 2008.  She had successfully made the transition from amateur kick-boxer to professional boxer. Her rapid firing, power-punching style has led to her being described as "the Rocky Marciano of women’s boxing". Missy is a graduate of Roger Williams College. As a Rhode Island Deputy Marshall, her responsibilities include transporting prisoners from to the courthouse in Providence. "Some of the prisoners have seen me fight on television," she says, "Once in a while one will say to another ... better not mess with her or she'll knock you out."  [Full biography of Missy Fiorentino when she was currently boxing and when we covered her active fighting career.]
 

Cheryl "Motor City Bad Girl" Muhammad - a Detroit Police Officer

Cheryl "Motor City Bad Girl" Muhammad, now retired boxed professionally from January - July 2005.  She had four pro fights,  and winning by stoppage, accumulating a 4-0-0 (4KO) record.  Muhammad fought in the heavyweight and light heavyweight division.  She is a Detroit police officer and according to news sources she donates her time working with battered women in shelters at the time we covered her in boxing.

Mary Ann Owen - Retired Las Vegas Corrections Officer

Mary Ann Owen, a top Las Vegas photographer, and a Retired Las Vegas Corrections Officer since 2005.  Owen was trained in Muay Thai with Master Toddy then switched to boxing, with Roger Mayweather was her  trainer.  Owen told WBAN, "I used boxing as a method to stay in shape and self defense."  Owen has been a Professional Boxing Photographer since 1996.  She has covered the high-profile world title bouts throughout the years for males and females, and continues to do great coverage at the fights and other boxing coverage in gyms, press conferences, weigh-ins and more!

Tracy Byrd was a City of Flint, Michigan police officer, and is now working in law enforcement in Las Vegas, Nevada. Byrd is a mother of one son, and is the former  IFBA lightweight champion from 1997.

BYRD who comes from a close-knit boxing family has been involved with other family members to form Byrd Boxing, Inc. and the Joe Byrd Academy.  Byrd has fought the best and continues to be an outstanding role model for other women boxers.  Byrd is now living in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is working for the school police.
 

Alex Love--from Amateur boxer, to pro, and Law Enforcement! by Sue TL Fox November 8, 2019

WBAN had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Love earlier this week---and we wanted to give the latest update on what she is doing now. I had the opportunity of watching her fight in the amateurs, in Spokane, Washington when she was one of only 24 female amateur boxers who could compete in the Olympic Trials event that I attended at that time. Love told WBAN the following: "After the Olympic Trials in 2015, I finished my time with the Army in August of 2017. I was fortunate to box in the World Class Athlete Program for the military. I enjoyed the end of my military career because I focused on my assigned job in preparation of transitioning out of the military."  Full Story
 

Corinne "Goose"Vanrykdegroot Corinne fought as a  Featherweight to Junior Lightweight, and a former member of the Ottawa Police Force and Hollywood stuntwoman, first stepped into a boxing ring in January 1998 in Atlanta, GA. This is where her story begins.  GOOSE began her professional boxing career on July 25, 1998 with a 4th round decision against Lisa Cuevas in Lake Worth, Fl. During the past three years, Goose has been

honing her boxing skills and techniques by training with some of the boxing world's bests, such as: Chris Johnston, Ronnie Shields, Joe Goosen and Joel Judah.   On September 21, 2001, GOOSE won a unanimous six round decision over Brenda Vickers (#8 ranked Featherweight IWBF) in Tampa, FL.  Vanrykdegroot participated in a reality show to compete in becoming the top pick for an Action Hero.  She is no longer boxing. As of 2006, she has played a speaking part in the movie "The Guardian" that stars Kevin Costner.  She plays a bartender.  Corrine may be coming back into boxing this year (2007!).
 

Valerie Mahfood, retired Multi-World Champion and in Corrections

Valerie Mahfood, a multi-World Champion attended the academy for Correctional Officers directly from High School.  She was the youngest to ever be admitted and of 300 applications, one of only two women selected. Upon graduation, she received her unit of assignment. She had been assigned to a maximum security, all male institution. Her family who were concerned, tried to urge her to quit, go to college, but being of a slightly stubborn nature---she refused. Valerie's family would have probably preferred she have a different career in the criminal justice system, like a Houston criminal defense attorney, rather than a career as a corrections officer.   Mahfood's full story

Bonnie Wherry, mother of two, and a Cleveland Police Officer has been boxing since 1998.  Wherry is the second to the youngest of 13 children. Wherry grew up in Cleveland and loves working in the community.

Wherry told WBAN, "I have a passion for boxing and hopefully the world will soon see that I am also talented in the sport. My father always wanted one of the thirteen to box, (one of the 8 boys) but I am the one. My father  passed away March 98 and never had the chance to see me fight or become a Police officer. I know in my heart he would be proud if he were here. The first belt that I win will be for him."
 

Jean E. Martin - Police Sergeant in New York

Jean E. Martin, in her 30’s, is not only one of the amateur women boxers in the world, but is a Sergeant with the New York City Police Department, and has been for 14 years. Martin is the only female to have won the New York Golden Gloves tournament five (5) times. Three times at the 139 lbs. and twice in 145 lbs. weight class. She is also the first and only Female on the N.Y.P.D. PBA Boxing Team. Boxing record 37 wins 5 losses...Full Story
 

Nicelle Rawlings---Police Officer by day...Amateur Boxer by night

Nicelle Rawlings, 134 lbs.,  is a police officer in Peel Region, Canada.  She made her amateur debut at the HUF Gym, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, last February 9, 2003.  Rawlings won her first fight with a unanimous decision.  Rawlings had two previous exhibitions before having her first amateur bout.  Rawlings is a stable mate of Olga Heron. Full Story
 

Chris Kreuz Retired Professional Boxer and Chicago police Officer

Chris Kreuz...Upon obtaining her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago, she became a Chicago police officer, which had always been her desire.Then, she was introduced to the world of boxing. Chicago's Chris Kreuz at age 33 (5’5", 126 lbs.), recently made her comeback on April 10, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois after a three-year layoff. With a convincing first round knockout, this Windy City native looks like she never left the ring.  Kreuz is retired from boxing.
 

Robin Yakhour amateur boxer and Police Officer in the State of Washington

Robin Yakhour, 112 pounds, is currently a police officer in the state of Washington. Robin got inspired to get back into shape after reading the book The Boxer's Workout. She integrated the boxing training that she read about with a weight training routine.  Eventually Robin joined a boxing gym where she could spar and work on technique and form. Robin said, "It wasn't too long after that I had decided that  I wanted to actually compete. I had just turned 32 and didn't feel I had a lot of good amateur time left. I ended up taking a pro fight on four days notice. My opponent came into town weighing 10 lbs. more than I did and I ended up losing on points."  Robin talked about her second professional bout, "The second pro fight that I took was unfortunately 'dejevou'. My opponent weighed in 10 lbs. more than me, and again, I lost on points. This has really been the most frustrating aspect for me, but regardless, it's been  a good experience and I've sincerely enjoyed the opportunities that I've had."  Robin has an Associate of Science in Fisheries Technology.  One of her past times is playing the drums and she is an avid lover of American Indian Art.    Robin currently works in Vancouver, Washington as a police officer and is not boxing professionally at this time. [dated early 2000's]

Veronica Simmons Retired Female Boxer and New York Corrections

Veronica Simmons, Of Brooklyn, New York works in law Enforcement (Corrections) in NY.  Veronica began boxing in 1995. She has won four straight New York City Golden gloves titles: the middleweight Division in 1996, the light heavyweight division in 1997the Heavyweight division in 1998 and the light heavyweight division again in 1999.Simmons made boxing history twice by becoming the first Women to win four straight golden gloves titles, and winning at three different weight divisions. In 1997 when she won the National 178 lb title she defeated current Pro Boxer Trina Ortega and Suzette Taylor. In 1998 Veronica stopped Adriana Smith of San Bernardino California at 1:56 of the first round and won her second National Gold Medal. In 1999 Veronica won her gold medal by knocking out Diana Matty of Plantation, Florida with one punch in the first round. This win made Veronica the first three-time National Champion in the history of USA Boxing event.  Veronica was equally impression at the Feenix Box Cup in Turku, Finland. She earned a gold medal and did not allow none of her opponents go past the first round. Veronica Simmons is perhaps the most decorated former female amateur boxer in the U. S. with her 4 New York Golden Gloves, 3 National Championships, a Feenix Cup title, along with a 15-0 record with 11 knockouts. Veronica is now 3-0-0 as a pro. Simmons has been inactive in women's boxing in the last few years.

Dawn Quinton Fought as a Professional from 1997-1998 and a Police Sergeant

When we included Dawn Quinton, 1-1-0, at the time in the early part of 2000, she was currently a police sergeant for the Delaware River Port Authority Police of NJ/PA. Dawn boxed in 1997-1998, and had two professional fights.  At the time, we interviewed her and asked her about her boxing career, and why she had stopped boxing after only two fights.  Dawn told WBAN,  "I disappeared from the scene because I was disgusted. I woke up and saw the politics involved in boxing and felt I was being manipulated. I was told that Kathy Rivers was also fighting her second fight. I found out that it was her fourth fight the night before the fight. I was told nothing about my opponent not even her height. I know now that I was poorly managed and didn't train properly for someone of her height and reach. As you know these factors are important in preparing and training for a fight. I respect women's boxing too much to be used as a punching bag." [More on this past interview on WBAN.