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Vegas Boxings' Big Deal
In a
town where "showing your hand" isn't exactly good strategy, nineteen year
old Melinda Cooper isn't keeping any of her ring skills, or her desire to
make her mark on the sport of boxing, a secret.
Las Vegas
native and one of boxing's hottest prospects, Melinda Cooper, has wasted no
time in establishing herself as a "force to be reckoned with." Her career
in boxing began quietly in the amateur ranks where she won six national
titles, including the U.S. Women's National Championships and collected
several regional Silver Gloves championships. In just five years as an
amateur she made a name for herself and set up the high exposure
professional career she is now enjoying.
Young
Ms. Cooper broke into boxing's professional ranks as only the third boxer
ever and the only female to be granted a professional license by the Nevada
State Athletic Commission before she was of legal age. Melinda began her
professional career on March 23rd, 2002 when she was only seventeen years
old.
Since
that time, all but three of her fights have been telecast on national
television and her high profile career is unfolding in front of boxing fans
everywhere. While some fighters prefer to develop the necessary skills
beyond the watchful and sometimes critical eye of the public, Melinda and
her team have welcomed the attention. "If Melinda didn't have the quality
of training that she does and a sound amateur background we would be
concerned", explains co-manager Douglas Ward, "but Melinda has a natural
gift for the ring. Let's face it, women's boxing can take all of the
exposure it can get and I think Melinda is one of the best examples of women
boxing that the public could be introduced to right now." Demonstrating a
strong foundation and solid boxing skills has made her a crowd favorite in
the Las Vegas community and a popular feature on nationally televised boxing
programs. Melinda's strength and conditioning coach, Bobby Stella
attributes a great deal of that to her diversity. He explains, "Melinda is
pretty but powerful, she moves well but is willing to stand toe-to-toe and
make something happen and she looks unassuming, but is ferocious in the
ring. She is walking bundle of contradictions and, whether you are a casual
fan or a boxing purist, that's just plain fun to watch."
Aside
from her presence in the ring, Melinda has been featured in several
nationally- recognized magazines, including Girls Life, Teen and World
Boxing. Her personality and striking good looks are leading to experiences
and endorsement opportunities beyond the sport she does so well. "What
makes Melinda appealing both inside and outside the ring is that she's
real", says coach and adopted father James Pena. "There is nothing fake
about her…there are no masks. What you see is what you get. Melinda has
the least amount of ego of anyone I know. Don't get me wrong," he
continues, "she does have pride and that's what she protects when she gets
in the ring, but as far as her perception of herself and how she treats
everyone around her…that's her best asset and it doesn't have anything to do
with boxing." Advisor and friend Dana White adds, "And that's exactly why
we're having some success with publicity and interest from people outside of
the sport. She's relatable and real. You can't teach that"
So,
even in a city that's synonymous with glitz, gambling and the fine art of
deception, it's a safe bet that Melinda Cooper holds a winning hand in
future of women's boxing.
WBAN has Cooper's COMPLETE
boxing record, with HUGE DIGITAL photos of her on the WBAN Records
Members site.
She is ALSO on FANMAIL if boxing fans
would like to drop her a line!
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