Laura Saperstein, the Aussie-born
corporate lawyer turned boxer from North London, soundly defeated
Ukranian Olena Varchenko at York Hall in London Feb. 1, 2008. The
36-year-old Saperstein said after the fight than Varchenko "knew
what she was doing - it wasn't an easy fight."
In the end, Saperstein managed to out punched and out manuver
Varchenko, the former Ukrainian amateur standout, during the
four-round fight. The fight, with a 40-36 point decision, was
Varchenko's professional debut.
Saperstein, who quit her high-paid job to become a professional
boxer, recently signed up with big-time British boxing promoter
Frank Maloney. This was the first women's boxing fight that Maloney
has taken on, and Saperstein's second professional fight. Showing
the determination she displays in boxing, Saperstein persuaded
Maloney, who has said he is anti-women's boxing, to promote four
fights for her.