I Definitely Hit Christy Martin Too Hard-Part II

By Sumya ‘the Island Girl’ Anani

16.08 - For those of you that have read part one, you can see why I had to break this up in parts…there's much to say. Part I ended with my reflections on why the sport has not grown like women's soccer and basketball. Christy Martin could have been instrumental in helping the sport evolve at a much faster pace. In spite of that, I still continue to witness the slow growth of this sport. What is responsible for the slow, yet steady growth of women's boxing is the countless women out there busting their tushies in the gyms. Right now, there are enough women that are competing at a high enough level that give this sport credibility…and not just in the junior welterweight division anymore, but throughout almost all of the divisions. But what we need right now is for ALL these girls to have chances to display their skills on TV.

I am so happy to see this sport continue to grow, and the fact that there are sooo many talented women out there just shows the kind of tenacity these women have. Like I said in Part I, women's boxing is spelled with an e-----women; not an a-----woman. I am proud of all the girls out there, I can't even name you all, that have worked so hard on developing your skills and representing this sport in the best light. Your commitment is nothing less than inspiring!

I hear all the time about how HBO and Showtime don't support women's boxing, and how certain promoters won't put women on their shows. In my opinion, what this sport needs first and foremost is for female fighters to support other female fighters. We need to support each other, and be happy for any legitimate success other women get in this sport.

A few months ago, I read an article about another female fighter, and when asked what female fighter(s) she looked up to, she said no one. What?????? Are you living in a cave?????? How could there not be at least ONE female fighter that she looks up to…one. Come on; let's give credit where credit is due. We need to be happy for each other, we need to promote each other, we need to applaud each other, we need to compliment each other, and we need to be grateful for each other. Bottom line, we need to love and appreciate each other.

Here are a few fighters that I think are awesome, all of whom I've had the honor of meeting personally. There are so many more that I haven't met but hope to meet one day. Personally, I am proud to know these extraordinary women. And if I were ever in an alley fight, I would hope these girls would be there on my side to 'watch my back.' (In alphabetical order)

1. Nina Ahlin-----I have to admit, when I first read about her being a cheerleader, I thought 'oh geez, powder puff boxing!' But I finally got to meet her, and witness her in action. I take that initial reaction back, apologize sincerely, and give her so much credit. She is totally awesome, totally nice, and totally talented.

2. Francesca Alcanter-----She went from ring card girl to fighter. The tomboy in her couldn't stand to watch the female fighters have all the fun in the ring. I'm most proud of what she has done out of the ring. Happy Anniversary, Francesca!!

3. Jennifer Alcorn-----All of her fight pictures don't do her justice. She is so beautiful and a great fighter. Jen, have you gotten some new pics done yet? Smile with your bad self, girl.

4. Laila Ali-----I admire Laila because from the beginning, she had the eyes of the world on her. That attention would have broken a lot of fighters, but not her. She focused herself and is getting better and better all the time.

5. Rolando Andrews-----Another fighter that has skills, class, and a never quit attitude. She gets so much credit and more. I hope I see more of her.

6. Britt Van Buskirk-----As weird as this sounds, I can't think of anyone I would have rather lost to but her. I'm just glad that I got to avenge that loss twice. She's been in this sport and has a wealth of knowledge of how this sport works. She fought on the first ever all female card back in the early 80's. I still say she's missing her calling in life, and she should try to do the standup comedy circuit. We talk on the phone every now and then. Actually, she talks, I laugh. Talking to her is one of the best ab workouts I've ever had!!

7. Bonnie Canino-----She did so much to spearhead the growth for this sport in the mid 90's. One of the first girls that I started to follow, and now she has a stable of female champions that she is training. Great to see women in other areas of the sport now.

8. Jane Couch-----If there is one fighter that I would like to just pal around with and have a great time, Jane comes to mind. She is the biggest little kid I've ever met…and I could listen to her talk for hours with her cool accent. Maybe I'll be in England one day and we can hang out.

9. Melissa DelValle-----When I think of having 'all the tools,' I think about Melissa. She really does make boxing look 'sweet.' She is dedicated, focused, and continues to persevere. (Another curly girly!)

10. Sue 'Tiger Lily' Fox-----In my opinion, Sue is the most dedicated advocate this sport has, and ever will have. If one woman gets the credit of single handedly promoting women's boxing in the truest sense, she gets it. Her dedication and commitment and integrity are amazing. (Personally and professionally) What would this sport be without her and without WBAN? Her site is amazing. I finally got a computer because she urged me to for years, and the detail and the uniqueness this site offers is nothing less than amazing. She doesn't play favorites and she supports all female fighters equally. She is available to offer help, guidance, and/or advice. She is honest and straightforward, even if you don't want to hear it. In a sport that seems to be known for corruption, she is a refreshing 'sight for sore eyes.'

11. Fredia Gibbs-----I can only aspire to have her physique. Wow! An exceptional all around athlete of many sports. You just never know what sport she'll take to next…and shine!

12. Amber Gideon-----I met her when she was training for an amateur national championship. She loves boxing, considering she has kids and stayed an amateur so long…not getting paid….with little mouths at home to feed. Amazing!! Dedicated!!

13. Isra Girgrah-----Finally got to meet her in April, but was upset that I didn't get to see her fight live. I really admire her. I consider her another pioneer, and I support her in her go at promoting women's boxing. Go Isra, you can do it! Girlpower!

14. Chevelle Hallback-----This girl won my heart when she fought Lucia Rijker as her 2nd pro fight. What heart!! I've known her to fight on Friday night, then go home and play rugby on Saturday night. She also has an irresistible smile that is contagious…..she just smiles and smiles.

15. Kel-C Jeffries-----When I think of the saying 'I'll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime', I think of this Road Warrior. Super nice, super strong, and super supportive.

16. Lisa Lewis-----She is the most friendly and approachable fighter that I think I've ever met. I think she has a natural gift of making you feel comfortable, even right before a fight!!

17. Valerie Mahfood-----I have always admired people that go against the grain and do things unconventionally, just because. They are not interested in what others think of them because they are confident about who they are. I think Valerie is one of these people.

18. Christy Martin-----Christy proved to many that women CAN fight. At one time, she was the p4p champion in the world. She is tough as nails, strong as a bull, and exciting to watch.

19. Karen Martin-----She is sooo enthusiastic about boxing, and her enthusiasm is contagious. She is an intelligent, gorgeous, and talented woman. Who says you can't have it all!!!

20. Layla McCarter-----The only female pro I've known who walks around the arena right before her fight. She is a good sport, and also good for this sport, and another rising star.

21. Kim Messer-----What a little 'fireball' of energy and enthusiasm. You'd never imagine she is a fighter, until you see her in action. She is teeny tiny, but has held a big place in my heart since I met her in 1999.

22. Denise Moraetes-----One of the nicest girls I've met, period. The boxing world was very sad when she retired. But she is a teacher, and besides being a mother, that is the most selfless job in the world.

23. Liz Mueller-----Another girl that retired that is missed. She represented the good of this sport in every single way. It's so hard to lose the good ones. We miss you, Liz.

24. Mary Ortega-----She started boxing as an amateur when she was 13. She turned pro when she was 17. To be that disciplined, that young, truly says a lot about her character and integrity.

25. Stacey Prestage-----This was another true pioneer in the early 90's. In her time, she was one of the hardest punchers p4p and one of my toughest fights. Such a talented fighter that it is a shame that we all have to retire someday.

26. Lucia Rijker-----She's been involved in a martial art since she was very young…..incredibly disciplined woman. She is well spoken, talented, intelligent, and classy!! I feel like I have a lot in common with her out of the ring, even though she is my rival. Maybe after we fight, we can chant together.

27. Ada Valez----- She always is so positive and happy and fun loving. She even looks like she's having fun when she's fighting. She's fun to be around and very encouraging. She definitely has the best abs in the business.

28. Dora Webber-----Another veteran that's been in it for so long. This girl is so cool, so crafty, and so funny ………being around her you'll just laugh and laugh. Another great ab workout. She is also my kindred spirit because she has two boys……I have one. I feel bonded to her just for that.

29. Ann Wolfe-----I knew when I first met her that I liked her. She is quiet and ladylike out of the ring, and fierce and focused in the ring…and a mom too. (I'm bonded to all mothers' everywhere.)

30. Vicki Woods-----Another hard puncher I've fought. Had the pleasure of having breakfast with her and her trainer the morning after our fight. She is someone most people haven't seen, and that is a shame. That truly makes me sad and mad.

31. Vaia Zaganas-----She reminds me of cute little Tinker Bell. I felt like I wanted to protect her when she was in the same dressing room, but I found out that I didn't have to because she can protect herself!!

I am so proud of all of you, and many others that are out there that I haven't yet met. You are the spirit of women's boxing. You are the life of women's boxing. Together, we can and are making waves in the sport.

My son and I play a game that is called Dare or Double Dare. (We took the truth out of it because we know each other so well.) If you are a female fighter and you picked dare, I dare you to call or write 5 other female fighters and compliment them and give them words of encouragement. If you picked double dare, then I double dare you to pick 10 female fighters and do the same. Now, to make it fair, it can't be women fighters that you are in touch with on a regular basis, or girls in the same gym. Actually, compliment them, but you just can't count them, OK? Contact some girls that you don't know, and just let them know that you support them.

This goes for the fans too. You're welcome to join in the fun. From what I've noticed though, fans don't hesitate to let fighters know how they feel. I've had many people e-mail me and I appreciate so much their empowering messages. Some fans have told me that I inspire them. Well, that works both ways. Fans inspire me more than they will ever probably know. There are no words to adequately say thank you.

May our words of encouragement to others carry a message of love, hope, and joy. May our words, as well as our actions, be an offering of love to everyone we encounter. May we all work, not for the fruit of our actions, but for the Great Spirit that sustains this Universe. Blessings to you all! Sumya

I Definitely Hit Christy Martin Too Hard - Part I