(MAY 21) MORENO VALLEY, CA. –  World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 13-1-2, 4 KOs), will defend her title on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, in Pico Rivera, California. West’s title defense will be featured as the boxing main event on “International Fight Showdown, IFS8: Mass Destruction,” which also will feature top MMA and Muay Thai talent. The fight card is promoted by Red Scorpion Promotions. The opponent will be announced shortly.

Manager and Trainer, Juan West said, “I am pleased and honored that IFS has placed Kaliesha as the main event of their fight card. This is a great accomplishment for my daughter and for all female boxers across the United States. I’m sure Kaliesha will take advantage of this opportunity and shine. I am thankful that we were given such a great opportunity close to our home.” Kaliesha said, “I’ve been working really hard in the gym in preparation for my first title defense. I am ready to give my best performance for the people. It has been a while since I last fought, so I am ready to continue where I left off. I am looking forward to seeing all my friends, family and fans at my fight on June 18th.”

West last fought on September 18, 2010, when she won the vacant Women’s WBO Bantamweight title on the under card of the Mosley-Mora Golden Boy Promotions PPV, by defeating Angel Gladney, via a seventh round knockout. The fight took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and was held during the Mexican Bicentennial Celebration.

Born in South Haven, Michigan, Kaliesha West began boxing at the age of ten. Her family relocated to Moreno Valley, California, and she became a decorated amateur boxing star, winning 98 amateur bouts, including the 2003 National Golden Gloves. She began her pro career in 2006, and since then, has earned the respect of boxing fans, other female fighters and the boxing media. Her father, Juan West, is her current trainer and has been her boxing manager since the beginning of her boxing career. Kaliesha said, “Since the beginning of my career, my dad has always handled the when, where, and with whom I fight. I just train for whatever is lined up next. I am thankful to have my father as my coach and manager, because I know he is looking out for my best interest.”

West, who is twenty-three years of age, recently returned from a lengthy layoff due to her involvement in a serious motor vehicle accident in early January 2011. Because of the accident, she sustained injuries and needed ample time to recover. Manager Juan West said, “I am anxious to see my daughter fight after her serious car accident. Kaliesha stated to me that because she survived a horrific car accident, when she steps into that ring, she does not fear death. I have noticed her sparring sessions have become more intense. She is actually looking more dangerous then she has in the past.”

IFS promoter and founder, Master Shawn Shilati, features the best of Muay Thai and MMA combined shows through IFS, and now moves into a new era by adding exciting boxer Kaliesha West to his show. Shilati said, “Bringing Kaliesha West to our card for a championship boxing bout adds to the IFS’ best of Muay Thai and MMA. The International Fight Showdown now brings you the best in the Sweet Science, The Science of Eight Limbs, and the Science of Ground and Stand Up fighting!”