(FEB 26) Last night at the Emerald Queen Casino, in Tacoma, Washington, Beth Westover of Idaho, fought Cami Hostettler in a scheduled four-round bout.  Westover scored a TKO at 2:00 seconds (end of round) of round three. Hostettler looked good in the first round, where she fought aggressive,  and used her height to her advantage, keeping a quick jab in Westover's face and not allowing her to get close. But by the midpoint of the second round Hostettler..Full Story

(FEB 26) MAYWOOD-Despite a vast experience and weight disadvantage, Mariana Juarez tore through Philadelphia's Carla (Shakura) Witherspoon in quick fashion for a knockout victory. Southern California fight fans got their first glimpse of Mexico's Juarez in two years at Las Trancas banquet hall before a sold out crowd on Friday.  Full Story

(FEB 26) Tonight, Shelley Burton of Montana, will be fighting Lisa Holywyne, of Texas, at the Silver Reef Casino,  Ferndale, Washington.  Burton, is a late replacement for Claudia Valenciana who hurt her hand and had to pull out.

(FEB 25) Marsha Valley, who has been fighting out of L.A., for years, but is originally from Canada, has moved to Toronto.  Marsha told WBAN, "I am now living, working and training in Toronto, ON Canada.  I'm training out of the K.O. King Boxing Club with Brian Bynoe." Valley added, "He is also the trainer and advisor to new upcoming prospect Noriko Kariya (sister of Paul Kariya the NHL superstar)."

(FEB 24) WBAN received an open letter from noted matchmaker Chris Middendorf, who commented on the latest news that Ann Wolfe is planning to fight a male boxer.  Chris told WBAN, "I read with real sadness that RPM has decided to totally devalue their fighter and the sport of women's boxing by turning Ann Wolfe into a Tonya Harding-like..More

(FEB 24) Tonight in Kiev, Ukraine, local boxer Alina Shaternikova, won a 10-round unanimous decision over Stephanie Dobbs. The two were fighting for the vacant GBU 115-lb world belt.  The judges scores on all cards were 100-90.  Related Story on weigh-in

(FEB 23) Today in the Las Vegas Sun there was an announcement that the Mississippi Athletic Commission, has approved of world champion Ann “Brown Sugar” Wolfe to  fight a male boxer.  There were indicators that this may be a "history first" in the United States, and that it will be a “real” fight.   In October 1999, the State of Washington approved Margaret McGregor to fight Loi Chow in a four round bout in what was sold to the public as a  “real” fight.  McGregor-Chow fought under the women’s rules. (two minute rounds.)  It was billed as a  “FIRST-EVER”.  After the fight took place, and McGregor had defeated Chow with a unanimous decision, the fight was reduced to an "exhibition."  As an "exhibition" the fight was simply added to the many male-female bouts that have occurred in history of women’s boxing.   Now, if Wolfe fights a male, will this fight go by the "Women's Boxing rules."?  Or will they fight under the “men’s boxing rules” ?  What ranking system does one use for these carnival matches?  Mixed Matches segment  Photo gallery of some mixed matches

On Friday, February 18, 2005, Title Fight Promotions held "Primal FuryI" at The Dock’s in Toronto, Canada. There were four fights on the card this night. There was one female bout, that featured Lisa “Bad News” Brown, 123, who fought Stephaney George, 120. Brown won by knockout over George 1:18 seconds of the second round. Full Story

(FEB 21) On February 18, 2005 at Earthlink Live in Atlanta, Georgia, Ijeoma Egbunine (168 lbs) TKO'd Janaya Davis (166 lbs) of Atlanta at 0:40 in the second round of a scheduled four-rounder.  Davis had been knocked down by a powerful overhand right and fell to the canvas.

"Million Dollar Baby": A View From the Ring By Bernie McCoy February 21, 2005

It was probably "Boyz ' N the Hood" that did it for me....the movie that ended my dependence on movie critics. I remember reading one breathless critique that called the movie the "most realistic look at life in the inner city." My problem with that assessment was that it was penned by the blond daughter of the famous movie star, Ingrid Bergman. It escaped me how someone ..Full Story

Exclusive Interview: Kina Malpartida By Mike “Kryptonite” Altamura February 20, 2005

Standing 5’8” and possessing a well-chiseled body and shoulders, it’s no wonder some boxing pundits have mistaken 24-year-old Kina Malpartida for a welterweight. But the Peruvian-born, Australian-based fighter is actually just a physically imposing 130-135lb fighter, and at 5-0 (1) one of the most promising female ..Full Story

Rakoczy To fight Laracuente! Source: Press Release February 19, 2005

(FEB 19) The fight that many fans of the sport have hoped for is here. On April 1st, at The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, CA Reigning IBA Women's Lightweight World Champion, Jessica Rakoczy will defend her title against top contender Belinda Laracuente. The two will...Full Story

Luna Wins by Decision By David A. Avila February 18, 2005

IRVINE, CALIF.-Though fans showered the ring with money, not everyone was happy with the result between Rhonda Luna and Margarita Espinoza. "I felt they stole the fight from me," said Espinoza who boxes out of Los Angeles.  Before a standing room only crowd (Feb 16) at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, Luna used her guile to win a unanimous decision against the strong, persistent Espinoza.  Full Story

Weickenmeier Retains WIBF Featherweight Title February 17, 2005

(FEB 17) On Feb. 15, in Stuttgart, Germany, Silke Weickenmeier, defeated Jayla Ortiz, with UD10, and retained her featherweight belt. On the undercard, Alesia Graf, 118, UD6 over Oksana Romanova. Also,  Ina Menzer TKO3 Julia Kulikov.

Boxing Action In Canada! February 17, 2005 Photo by Durell Wambolt

(FEB 17) On February 18, at the Docks Nightclub, in Toronto, Canada, Lisa "Bad News" Brown, of Toronto, will be fighting Stephanie George, of Georgetown, Guyana.  The weigh-in will be held today at 1:00 pm at the Cabbagetown boxing club. WBAN has just added another correspondent, Rick McLean,  that will be covering fights in this area!

Exclusive Interview: Lisa-Marie Vizaniari By Mike Altamura February 17, 2005

(FEB 17) At 4-0 (2), Australia's Lisa-Marie Vizaniari is one of the few undefeated women in the heavyweight division. Since making the conversion from discus thrower to professional pugilist following the 2000 Olympics, Vizaniari has impressed boxing...Full Story

Marilyn Salcido retires By David Avila February 16, 2005

(FEB 16) Rialto’s Marilyn Salcido, who was ranked number one as a junior bantamweight and fought for the world title two years ago, has announced her retirement.  “I just don’t have my heart into it any more,” said Salcido, who....Full Story

Matchmaker's Hot List Update! February 16, 2005

(FEB 16) Check out the latest Matchmaker's hot List update!  WBAN and the Boxing Community have given a "little" help TO Matchmakers and promoters to give them ideas on viable and HOT matches that could be made. To check out the latest updates and give YOUR input into what would be a good matchup go here!  member's area

Tonight: Three Women's Matches Dons Germany Card February 15, 2005

(FEB 15) Tonight in Stuttgart, Germany, Silke Weickenmeier will be fighting Jayla Ortiz; Super Featherweight Ina Menzer (inset photo) will take on Julia Kulikova; and in a a Super Middleweight bout, Alesia Graf will fight Oksana Romanova.

Laila and Layla: Risk and Glory By Bernie McCoy February 13, 2005

(FEB 13) A seventeenth century French dramatist, Pierre Corneille, no boxing fan he, once said "When there is no peril in the fight, there is no glory in the triumph." Those 300 year old words were proven conclusively once again over the weekend when two women boxers, Laila Ali and Layla McCarter both achieved triumph in the ring, one with peril, one without. More

Weekend update: Mariana Juarez, Mia St. John. Laila Ali and others By David A. Avila

(FEB 13) Mariana Juarez sparred with Heather Percival over the weekend. Juarez, the IFBA junior bantamweight title-holder from Mexico City, is gearing up for her main event on Feb. 25, 2005 at the Rio Hondo Country Club in Downey, California. ..Full Story

Malpartida defeats Walford Source: Mike Altamura February 13, 2005

(FEB 13) On February 11, at the Brisbane Broncos Leagues Club, Red Hill, QLD, Australia, and promoted by Red Corner Promotions  Boxing event, Kina Malpartida defeated Mirelle Walford, via a unanimous decision in a four-round bout. Scorecards were 40-36 (x2), and 40-35. The fight was fought at an agreed weight of 145lbs.  Full Story

Rakoczy Wins by Third round stoppage February 11, 2005

(FEB 11) Last night in Lemoore, California, Jessica Rakoczy, 134, stopped Mia St. John, 137,  in the second round.  An insider said that Mia had received a headbutt, but the ref ruled it a TKO.  After Mia's corner saw the cut going into the third round they did not want her to go out.  Mia was reported to have had 27 stitches.

Press Release: Westover  to fight Hostettler February 11, 2005

(FEB 11) Tacoma, WA – WBC Continental America’s Cruiserweight champion Gary Gomez (13-4-0, 5KOs) says he is ready for his fight scheduled on February 25th at the Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat boxing series. Gomez won a ten round decision over Chad ...Full Story

Tonight: Two Women's Fights on ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights! February 11, 2005 Photo by J & P Photography

(FEB 11) Tonight in Atlanta, Georgia, and on ESPN2, and to celebrate this Valentine's Day,  Laila Ali will be defending her WIBA world title belt against Cassandra Geigger in a 10 round bout. Also, Leatitia Robinson will be taking on Monica Nunez.

Long Time No See... Ms. Martin! February 8, 2005 ©Photo by Tony Duffy

(FEB 8) Karen Martin, who has returned from the UK, is now in California, and word is out that she will be back in the gym to resume her boxing career!  Photographer Tony Duffy, did a photo shoot of Martin this week, and will have a Hot Photo Gallery posted later today..so BOLO!

Ward defends her IBA title.. February 8, 2005

(FEB 8) On May 27, 2005, at the Arco Arena, in Vonda Ward, of Cleveland, Ohio,  will be defending her IBA world title against Martha Salazar.  In another women's match Valanna McGee, of Sacramento will be on the undercard. The event is being promoted by Don Chargin.

Gutiérrez Stops Deluca February 7, 2005

(FEB 7) On Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Club de Pesca, Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba (Argentina) Carolina “Chapita” Gutiérrez improved to 3-0 (2 KOs) when she stopped Graciela Inés Deluca in the last of the four scheduled rounds of their fight at super bantamweight. Inés Deluca was making her professional debut. Source: Ewan Whyte

Emery Wins by Decision in Pro Debut! February 5, 2005

(FEB 5) Last night in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jill Emery, 140, finally was able to make her pro debut after having many fights fall through.  Emery won by a four round unanimous decision over Cassandra Lindsey.  Both girls came to win but Jill dominated the fight with clean effective punching.  Source: Yvonne Reis

St. John Wins by Second Round TKO! Story and Mpegs by Brian Low Photos by Jesus Sanchez Hot MPEG/Photo gallery, Gallery #237

(FEB 4)- At the HP Pavillion in San Jose, 3508 screaming fans were treated to an old fashoined brawl. Joy "seek & destroy" Irvin (130 lbs., 6-0 6KOs) looked to stamp KO number 7 on Mia " the knockout" St. Johns (136lbs., 39-4-2 16 KOs) head. It was bombs away from the beginning. Mia weathered a storm of punches before unleashing some bombs of her own at the end of the first round to let Joy know that "fights on". After instructions between rounds Mia was up and ready for the second round. She used her experience to score with punches inside Joys' bombs before throwing her own bombs, then took advantage of a fighter lacking in defensive skills. Joy was hurt & defenseless twice before the referee rightly stopped the fight at 44 seconds of the second round. Copyrighted Photos by Jesus Sanchez; and Story and MPEGS by Brian Low

Sanders Named by Ring Magazine as Female Boxer of the year! February 3, 2005

(FEB 3) Ringside announced in their 2005 Ring Magazine edition the The 26^th Annual  “Highly Unofficial” Official  Awards of the year.  Mary Jo Sanders of Auburn, Michigan,as “Female Fighter of the Year.” A special Congratulations to Sanders on the yearly award!

Be on the Lookout for Margaret Sidoroff! February 1, 2005

(FEB 1) On February 9, 2005, on CBC-TV "The Fifth Estate, at 9 p.m., retired world champion Canadian Margaret Sidoroff, will be part of this show. The CBC reports that this feature will have two stories, and that it will feature Sidoroff, "A real-life Million Dollar Baby" in one of these stories.