Turton - Sanders fight on June 3rd!
By Steven Enselmo
May 22, 2006

The Palace in Auburn Hills, the home of the Detroit Pistons is the setting on June 3rd as Mary Jo Sanders, ( 20-0, 6 ko’s) takes on Seattle’s Tricia Turton, ( 8-0, 3 ko’s) for the WIBA 154-lb. Women’s Championship. The Detroit native Sanders already possesses World Championships in the 140 & 147 lb. divisions and looks to add yet another title to her growing legacy.

As for Turton, she has crept out of the woodwork fighting in Washington and California since turning pro one year ago, and has won the local NWBF title at 154 lbs.

As to how each fighter arrived in women’s boxing the comparisons are similar. Sanders excelled in basketball, bodybuilding, and Tough Woman contests before winning the 2002 Detroit Golden Gloves Championship.

Turton was a standout Soccer star in Colorado before earning a spot on the USA Women’s Rugby team which competed Internationally, finishing 2nd in the World Cup. Turton was a standout on the Rugby field and realized the physical contact was conducive to her personality.  From there it was on to amateur boxing where she amassed a 16-2 record and the 178 lb National Championship.

Both Sanders and Turton were steered towards other trainers/managers to get their careers going as professionals. Sanders began her career under the watchful eye of Jimmy Mallo who trains and manages the Champ. Turton, who is managed and trained by George Credit & Sam DiTusa wandered into the gym at 185 pounds, a far cry from what she has become.

Each fighter has fought the majority of their fights in the friendly confines of the home area, but here is where the similarities end. Sanders has three years of professional experience to Turton's one year. Sanders also has a decided edge in competition having faced the likes of Belinda Laracuente, Lisa Holewyne, Terri Blair, Mellissa del Valle, and Yvonne Reis. Turton has two wins over former two-time Champion Lisa Holewyne.

Their styles are also different. Sanders is flashy with great hand speed and very good power. Her athleticism is her strong suit as well as her excellent conditioning. Turton on the other hand is a rugged flat-footed fighter who just wears down opponents by out toughing them behind an awkward southpaw stance and a relentless attack.

If the fight gets into the later rounds it will favor the fighter with the most desire, something each woman has in abundance. This fight looks like the female version of Rocky Balboa vs. Appollo Creed, and the huge anticipated crowd should get their moneys worth.

WBAN had a moment with Tricia Turton following a recent workout.

WBAN: How’s the training for this fight, and have you prepared any differently for Mary Jo?

Turton: I haven’t trained any differently. I really take every fighter seriously and train hard. I have been on two a day for about four weeks, and my trainers threw me out of the gym last week for four days to prevent me from peaking too soon.

WBAN: Mary Jo Sanders is the best fighter you will have faced. What type of fight are you preparing for?

Turton: Mary Jo Sanders is the best fighter ANYBODY will face. She’s undefeated and has not built that record getting in the ring with bad fighters. I respect her ability and am prepared for the fight of my life but I feel I’m ready for this test.

WBAN: Are you ready for this caliber of fight at this stage in your career?

Turton: I hope so. Mary Jo fought for her first World title in her 9th fight, so why not me? I have had good work preparing for this fight. My stable mate Dakota Stone, she will be fighting Shelly Burton on June 10th for the NABF Jr Middleweight Championship, and all the gyms in Seattle have made sparring partners available for me. My team of George Credit and Sam DiTusa have not left any stone unturned in my preparation.

WBAN: Has the city of Seattle gotten behind you for this fight?

Turton: Yes, very much so. A lot of interest from the local press and the boxing community seems to have generated for this fight. We’re bringing a huge contingent to Detroit.

WBAN: Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for June 3rd, and do you think your southpaw stance will be in your favor?

Turton: No,  I don’t have any tricks. I believe that hard work wins fight against the best fighters. I’ve seen her fight and know what to expect. I’m an awkward fighter even for a lefty. I train all the time against conventional fighters but even fighters who train with southpaws have a hard time with me because I throw punches from all angles and keep the fight going at a high energy pace.

WBAN: Any last parting comments for Mary Jo Sanders?

Turton: I’m not a talker. I do my fighting in the ring. That’s what my team emphasizes. Besides, how can you bad talk one of the best fighters in the world.