(JULY 9)
On July 27th, at the Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode
Island, Marcia Agripino, of Ledyard, CT, is set to make her professional
debut battling the underrated Vanessa “Lil Gladiator” Greco
(1-2-3, 0 KOs) Brooklyn, NY.
Just recently, Marcia took some time out from
her extremely busy schedule to participate in an interview
encompassing her amateur career, training schedule, and some
personal insights.
Mark Jones: Why boxing? What caused you to start training?
Marcia Agripino: I originally got into boxing because the
typical gym workout was dreadfully boring to me, I wanted
something different. My boyfriend started training at a MMA/Boxing
Gym in New London, CT. I went with him one day and was hooked.
Mark Jones: What were the highlights of your amateur career?
Marcia Agripino: Well, I always had tough fights. I lost my
first five. My first win was a truly memorable one. Not only was
it on an all-female boxing card, but it won the “fight of the
night” honors. I won the Rocky Marciano Tournament in 2010 by a
TKO victory which was also a highlight.
Mark Jones: What are your strengths as a boxer?
Marcia Agripino: I have a solid work ethic when it comes to
training camp. I put in the work. I have a dedicated team and
some excellent female boxers serve as sparring partners.
Mark Jones: What professional boxer, if any, have you modeled
yourself after?
Marcia Agripino: I would not say that I model myself after
anyone. I look up to anyone who has the heart to give this sport
a chance. Anyone who genuinely takes boxing seriously realizes
what it takes to be successful.
Mark Jones: What is your daily training schedule? Do you lift
weights?
Marcia Agripino: My Schedule is insane! I complete roadwork
every morning, except weekends or call days, I am employed
full-time as a surgical technician at Lawrence & Memorial
Hospital. Depending on the day, I will do strength training and
embark on a two-hour round trip to the boxing gym where I will
spend 1 ˝ to 2 hours honing my boxing skills. I only lift
weights in strength class, and my trainer varies that aspect of
my training.
Mark Jones: What is needed to increase the exposure of
professional women’s boxing in the United States?
Marcia Agripino: For women’s boxing to get the exposure that it
deserves, I think it just needs the right people covering it. An
example of this is women’s MMA. Those women are treated just
like the men; they fight the same number of minutes, the same
number of rounds, and are covered with the same rules. They are
treated as fighters. We just need more exposure and need to be
treated like a fighter. I appreciate the people who reach out
and want to support female fighters. We need more people who
have the passion and want to share it.
Mark Jones: An added benefit of training under the watchful eye
of Peter Manfredo Sir is that you train daily with Shelly
Vincent, a world ranked super bantamweight; how has Shelly
enabled you to improve as a boxer?
Marcia Agripino: Shelly has been a large part of my training
since I started back in 2007. I have learned a lot from her, she
pushes me to be a better fighter. Shelly is one of the best
around so if I can put in the work day in and day out with
someone with her skill level, along with Peter I know I am going
into this fight well prepared. This is a tough fight for me;
Greco is far more experienced than I. I had a strong camp, and I
will be well prepared. Having Shelly on the card as well is
enormous for us as a team. Beauty and the Beast are going to put
on a show that night and earn some respect for ALL the women out
there trying to get the recognition we deserve.
Quick Stats:
Hometown: Ledyard, CT
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 125 lbs. (normal) 119 (fight weight)
Birthplace: New London, CT.
Manager: Jay Jodoin
Gym: Manfredo’s Gym, Narragansett, RI
Trainer: Peter Manfredo, Sr.
Mark A. Jones:
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