Selina Barrios vs. Lisa Porter Clash for NABF Title on Friday
By David A. Avila
Prizefighters in the female lightweight division are scarce especially in North America. But the scarcity of 135-pounders can result in rewards very quickly.
Despite only two pro fights each Selina Barrios (2-0) and Lisa Porter (1-0-1) are taking advantage and meeting on Friday Dec. 29, to decide who wins the vacant NABF lightweight title. The 10-round match takes place at Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.
It will not be televised but stay tuned for streaming availability.
When it comes to female prizefighting the heavier the weight class the smaller the number of registered fighters exist. Lightweights tend to be difficult to find in the U.S. and in Mexico.
Both Barrios and Porter are amateur standouts with national title wins. Despite only two pro fights apiece, they each are very handy with gloves on their hands. And they are not afraid of fighting talented opponents.
“I just want to fight the best out there,” said Barrios who admits to being a pressure fighter who can box. “It’s difficult finding someone to fight at all.”
Porter agrees. In her two pro bouts she beat a rugged kickboxing champion in Los Angeles. Then, she clashed with another outstanding former amateur in Fisher who had defeated lightweight world title contender Jessica McCaskill in a four round bout.
“Fisher was very tough,” said Porter just before boarding a flight to Louisiana. “But that’s what I want, only to fight the best.”
Despite the scarcity in numbers, lightweights are overflowing with talent in the U.S.
Barrios, 24, fights out of San Antonio, Texas and is participating on her second fight card in Louisiana. Her first scheduled fight last month evaporated when her signed opponent backed out during the weigh-ins.
“I don’t know what was wrong with her. They said she did not feel good but she was there taking pictures and signing autographs,” said Barrios of Zarina Tsoloyeva who backed out of the fight after arriving in New Orleans.
Porter is not there to take autographs.
“I’m happy we’re fighting for the NABF title,” said Porter who is a pure boxer. “It’s different fighting with no head gear and I’ve never fought 10 rounds but I’m excited about this fight.”
Barrios has no doubt it will be a compelling fight.
“I’m not worried about fighting 10 rounds. I did all my work and I’m prepared for this fight,” Barrios said. “I know Lisa Porter is a good boxer. I expect a good fight and hope we can please the fans.”
It’s rare for anyone to fight for a title with experience in only two pro fights. But when you match a pair of former amateur champions together that’s like placing a matchstick to gasoline. Expect a fire.
“This is what I’m fighting for,” says Porter of the title bid. “And to prove I can fight with the best.”
Lightweights in action on Friday night.