Thursday night at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland, California Rhonda Luna (16-1-1) will take on Gloria Ramirez (10-15-6) at a catch weight of 133lbs. I recently had the opportunity to spend a little time with Rhonda at her Gym in Duarte, California, while she prepared for the fight.

I asked her four simple questions. If nothing else, Rhonda’s fight style is similar to her approach in answering a question….coming at you relentlessly!


LS........Have you done anything different to prepare for this fight?

RL.......With 17 pro fights; this will be my first fight with a southpaw. So, the major difference in my training has been my sparring partners. Other than that, nothing has changed. I train hard, I train fast, I train strong. At 15-1-1, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

LS.......Are you fighting as often as you want to?

RL.......I always try to fight at least every three months. Since returning to the ring last year, I have had three fights, November 2008, February 2009 and just this April. Considering that, I would say I am fighting as often as I want. The question is, "Am I getting the fights I want?"

LS.......Who would you most like to meet in the ring?

RL.......You know, it’s so easy to answer this question by simply saying "Oh I want to fight this champion or I want to fight that champion." For me, and for any self-respecting fighter, the fight you should want is the one you thought you won but didn't. Championships aside, I have always wanted a rematch with Kelsey Jeffries. But that ain't gonna happen. It's too bad the current WBA super featherweight "champion" doesn't feel the same way I do.

You want a short list, ok, here you go..... KINA, KINA, KINA! Anywhere, any place, any time. I know you hear me. I know all of Peru hears me. Rankings mean nothing! I AM on that short list for your title. Step up already. I'm beginning to think you run as much outside the ring as you do in the ring.

Other fights that I would love. Myriam Chomaz. Only because it drives me crazy that European fighters essentially stay put at home and prefer to dry up the "less than talented" talent pool there than swim in the deep end with us over here. Another great fight would be with Olivia Gerula. The fact that she went to Canada and essentially took Jelena's title from her like she did says a lot about her as a fighter. What it says to me is a fight between her and I would be an all out war and I love the idea of that. Butch! Give me a call bud!

LS.......With such a clean record, why do you feel fights are not being offered to you?

RL....... Because I can actually fight, and money. Over and over there is a lot of criticism with women's boxing on how fighters pad their records in order to make a name for themselves and up their rankings. Look, that's just boxing, men or women.

Two years ago when I fought Kelsey Jeffries for the IFBA featherweight title, I was fortunate to be a part of history. And as much as that experience was great for my career, I think it also had a detrimental effect on me getting other big fights. Whether you think I won that fight or not, because it was on national television, everyone got to see Rhonda Luna against one of the world's best and realized "Damn, she can really fight!" Since that time, I haven't had an offer like that again. Maybe I should lose a couple of fights and my phone will start ringing off the hook.

The other reason is money. Despite the fact that the women's fights are often the best fight on the card, promoters are just not willing to pay the money associated with putting on a championship fight. Between sanctioning fees, belt fees, travel and lodging for the sanctioning body's representative, etc., the promoters out here just don't feel the benefit of providing their audiences with an amazing women's championship fight outweighs the cost. The reality is boxing is a business and more times than not the name of this game is generally not pugilism. Problem is it hurts women more so then the men.

That's not to say we don't have a part in it either. With the exception of a few, the world champions in women's boxing need to stop taking the stance that "I'm the champ so pay me my money." Being a champion in women's boxing is not about money, it is truly about being a champion. You ain't Laila Ali, I ain't Laila Ali, And quite frankly, we ain't never gonna be Laila Ali. So, defend the title. She did it, do the same.

The weigh-in is scheduled for 5:00pm, Wednesday September 9th at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.