Women's Boxing: Latest News in Women's Boxing

(FEB 21) It was a question I had in my mind for a long time. Could a group of professional women in boxing get together, learn from each other and build a bond strong enough for continued support? Knowing Ann Marie Saccurato would be in Los Angeles for training with Lucia Rijker, I invited Tammie Johnson and Molly McConnell to join us for a small camp. On average, Saccurato would train with Rijker up to 2 hours each day. I thought it would be a great opportunity for Saccurato to work with McConnell and Johnson on new techniques that she already possessed and the new ones she was learning. There were after all, 22 more hours in the day!

What took place during that week was nothing less than amazing! The technique and skills these women shared with each other was edifying to all of them and they formed lasting bonds that I am confident will continue. But equally as exciting was that we were blessed with the generosity, wisdom and grace of Lucia Rijker, who reached out to McConnell and Johnson lending her expertise, wisdom and instruction in a couple of training sessions as well. What a blessing! Then it was off to spar with Mia St. John! Low and behold....in walks Kaliesha West, Fredia Gibbs, Mikaela Mayer...how could this get any better? We trained hard,We sparred, We ate our meals together, We laughed and we shared wonderful experiences.

Well.....the week ended with a visit to the home of Laila Ali! With a wonderful couple of hours sitting on the living room floor talking boxing and playing a little rough and tumble with her little guy Mr. CJ Conway who I believe won his wrestling match against Saccurato with a pin down!

I believe all of us came away from this experience enriched. I think conducting another camp....with more women can and will be successful.....hmmmm maybe September 2010. Yes....I love women's boxing!

Lucia Rijker