Super Fly Rematch and Violence Outside the Boxing Ring
By David A. Avila
A super flyweight rematch between Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz and Olympian Ginny Fuchs that was two years in the making and included the WBC super flyweight world title, proved to be another possible Fight of the Year candidate.
This time Ruiz took the win.
Ruiz (19-1-1), the mother of three grown children, learned from her defeat to Fuchs (4-1) and avenged the loss with a different set of tactics at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Now each has a win and loss against each other.
A third match is definitely a possibility.
When Fuchs and Ruiz first met in the prize ring two years ago, they learned a lot about each other that afternoon at Carson, Calif. on August 31, 2024. The southpaw Fuchs used her agility, speed and precision to offset the bludgeoning windmill power of Ruiz.
Fuchs severely damaged her right thumb that day but still emerged the winner by split decision after 10 furious rounds.
On Saturday July 18, Ruiz made some changes to her attack that proved beneficial in the outcome of the fight. Instead of swinging for the home run the L.A.-based fighter cut down on her power and opted to connect with combinations instead of the knockout. It proved more effective over 10 rounds.
Still, Fuchs agility and accuracy with her speedy lefts were an obstacle for Ruiz who needed several rounds to get the timing. By the fifth round it was apparent that Ruiz found the range and was connecting more often and able to track the movements of Fuchs.
It was a very hot muggy night in San Bernardino. And with the hot lights needed to provide better television viewing it is possible that the heat was another factor that slowed the action toward the end of the world title fight. But not by much.
Once again Fuchs and Ruiz proved their abilities and fighting intensity especially against each other and makes their fight another candidate for Fight of the Year. Women’s boxing continues to provide proof that it has moved into another level of professionalism with strategy changes and adaptability in the elite levels.
Boxers Victims of Violence
Hannah Rapp, a recent world title challenger, was killed while riding a bicycle in East Texas on Saturday July 18. The alleged victim of a road rage incident by a driver who backed his car into her and a friend.
The witness, a friend of Rapp, told investigators that they were riding on the highway when a car sped by at a high rate of speed very close to them. He raised his arms and yelled at the driver who immediately stopped the car and then reversed into them. Rapp was struck by the card.
According to an affidavit, deputies were called about 9:50 a.m. to the 23000 block of FM 159 for a major crash after a vehicle struck a bicyclist and a woman was face down on the roadway. Rapp was found unresponsive and taken to Baylor Scott & White Hospital and later pronounced dead.
A man Charles Eric Medina was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and recklessly causing the death of Rapp. The suspect Medina has a history of previous charges including reckless driving, speeding, theft, and evading arrest.
Just last week, another female boxer was the victim of violence in East Los Angeles, Calif.
Merari Vivar, 24, an undefeated bantamweight prospect from the Los Angeles area, was shot while helping her family who are street vendors in East L.A. She is recovering at home now from the injury but will be unable to return to boxing for awhile.
A few months ago, near the same area Vivar was shot, a juvenile boxing coach named Joshua Aila, 17, was shot and killed on Saturday May 16, near the intersection of 6th street and Fraser Avenue near Garfield High School at approximately 1 a.m.
Police are still investigating the murder and no reason has been given for the attack.
Amanda Serrano Defends World Title at Pechanga in August
Seven-division world titlist Amanda Serrano (49-4-1, 32 Kos) will defend the featherweight world titles against Lucrecia Mazur (14-4, 7 Kos) on August 21 at Pechanga Casino in Temecula, Calif. TikTok Live will stream the Most Valuable Promotions card live.
It is the first time the social media giant is working with boxing.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing the world’s most compelling live sports moments to our global community, while giving fans new ways to discover, engage, and interact with the athletes and creators they love,” said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. “We’re excited to bring the first championship boxing event to TikTok LIVE alongside MVP, spotlighting Amanda Serrano as she works toward a historic milestone.”
Serrano is eager to perform.
“I’ve dedicated my career to creating opportunities for women’s boxing and bringing our sport to the biggest stages possible, so to headline the first-ever championship boxing event on TikTok is incredibly meaningful,” said Amanda Serrano. “Women’s boxing deserves to be seen by as many people around the world as possible, and this partnership gives us the chance to introduce our sport to a massive global audience in a completely new way.”
Serrano is attempting to break a tie with Hall of Fame boxer Christy Martin. Both fighters have 32 career knockouts on their resume. Serrano needs one more knockout win to snap the tie. It could be Serrano’s last career fight as well. The Puerto Rican great has hinted this might be her last year in the sport.
Serrano will be joined by several other high profile female fighters including Roxy Verduzco, Jully Poca, and Jocelyn Camarillo.
More Fight News
Argentina
Victoria Moreyra (2-10-2) won by majority decision after four rounds against Celeste Gonzalez (0-3) on Saturday July 18. The bantamweight fight took place in Manule Alberti.
On Saturday July 25, super bantams Milagros Ramirez (3-0) and Erika Aramayo (2-5) meet six rounds at Buenos Aires. Also, super welters Ailen Cabrera (1-0) and Daiana Lallana (1-2) meet four.
Australia
Lexis Nahirny (2-0) beat Harma Yesti (1-6-1) by decision after four rounds on Saturday July 18. The featherweight fight took place in Condell Park.
Arlene Blencowe (6-7-1) defeated Chloe Chaos (7-3-2) by split decision after eight rounds on Saturday July 18. The super welterweight fight took place in Sydney. Also, light flies Chloe Grech (4-0-2) and Bec Moss (2-4-1) drew after six.
Colombia
Jhuskarly Becerra (4-0) knocked out Sasthy Ramirez (4-9) in second round on Monday July 13. The featherweight fight took place in Melgar.
On Sunday July 26, super flies Olga Julio (43-19-3) and Paola Rincon (8-4) meet eight rounds at Envigado. Also, Maryan Esteban (0-0) and Iris Bogado (0-0) meet four.
Czech Republic
On Saturday July 25, flyweights Vera Horvathova (0-0) and Magdalena Szwed (7-0) meet four rounds at Usti Nad Labem.
Germany
Julia Bestek (1-0) knocked out Oliwia Koziura (0-4) in three on Friday July 17. The lightweight fight took place in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Also, Elisabeth Mronsz (2-0) beat Juliane Werner (1-2) after four.
Ghana
On Friday July 24, bantams Letitia Amanua (6-1) and Dore Quaye (0-1) meet six rounds at Accra.
On Sunday July 26, heavies Chidimma Nmeregini (3-0) and Latifat Salami (2-3) meet six rounds at Accra.
Japan
Akane Fujiwara (10-5-1) defeated Jittamat Phonta (11-15) by decision after eight rounds on Saturday July 18. The super bantam regional title fight took place in Tokyo.
Moeko Okada (3-1-1) beat Ao Oyama (1-2-1) by decision after four rounds on Thursday July 16. The flyweight fight took place in Tokyo.
Kokoa Taguchi (1-0) knocked out Renz Dacquel (3-3-1) in the sixth round on Wednesday July 15. The minimumweight fight took place in Tokyo.
On Sunday July 26, super flyweights Mami Otsubo (1-2-2) and Ayami Yamamoto (0-0-2) meet four rounds at Kariya.
Kazakhstan
On Saturday July 25, super flies Adelina Satybaldieva (0-0) and Balaussa Muzdiman (9-0) meet six rounds at Almaty.
Kenya
On Saturday July 25, featherweights Alice Waiyego (2-0) and Mercy Acayo (6-4) meet four rounds at Nairobi. Also, Roman Asefa (0-0) and Jane Kavulani (19-20-5) meet four.
Senegal
On Saturday July 25, light heavyweights Ndeye Seynabu (0-0) and Khadidiatou Cisse (0-0) meet four rounds at Dakar.
Spain
Sheila Martinez (12-3) won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds versus Diana Rodriguez (19-6-1) on Saturday July 18. The featherweight fight took place in San Sebastian. Also, heavyweight Shona Larkman (1-0) knocked out Elene Sikmashvili (9-14-1) in one.
Fara el Bousairi (14-6) defeated Camila Vidal (6-6) after eight rounds on Saturday July 18. The super flyweight fight took place in Palma de Mallorca.
Tanzania
On Friday July 24, featherweights Sara Alex (7-2-1) and Dorisia Mazige (5-0) meet eight rounds at Dar Es Salaam. Also, super bantams Debora Mwenda (3-2-1) and Dorothea Muhoza (1-6-2) meet eight.
On Saturday July 25, welterweights Sabrina Mbwewe (2-4) and Salma Kihobwa (2-2) meet six rounds at Dar es Salaam.
Thailand
Sylvia Von Douglas-Ittu (4-1) knocked out Wandee Simongkhrot (1-1) in two rounds on Saturday July 18. The atomweight fight took place in Thanyaburi.
Turkey
On Sunday July 26, super middleweights Pinar Kahya (3-2) and Zahra Aboutalebi (0-0) meet six rounds at Fethiye. Also, bantams Emil Okay (2-0) and Hazel Saydam (4-0) meet six.
United Kingdom
On Friday July 24, super bantams Mae Astbury (3-1) and Klaudia Ferenczi (20-130) meet six rounds at Famworth. Also, feathers Stevi Levy (15-5) and Kira Carter (0-33-1) meet four; and welters Ari Hovsepyan (1-0-1) and Johana Rajmont (7-0-1) meet four.
On Saturday July 25, super bantams Billy Jarmolinski (4-0) and Tracy Webber (0-2) meet six rounds at Doncaster. Also, Ellie Hellewell (7-1-1) and Alisha Lewis (1-6) meet six.
USA
Adelaida Ruiz (19-1-1) defeated Ginny Fuchs (4-1) by unanimous decision after 10 rounds on Saturday July 18. The WBC super flyweight world title fight took place in San Bernardino, Calif.
Paige Gilbert (3-0) knocked out Samantha Maury (0-2) in the first round on Saturday July 18. The super bantamweight fight took place in Hanover, Maryland.
Katherine Lindenmuth (8-5-1) defeated Nayeli Rodriguez (7-2-1) by split decision after 10 rounds on Saturday July 18. The regional flyweight title fight took place in El Paso, Texas. Also, super light Katharina Thanderz (17-2) beat Michaele Nogue (2-8-1) after six and bantam Alexis Araiza (5-2-1) beat Crystal Hoy (7-16-4) after four.
On Saturday July 25, bantamweights Shera Mae Patricio (9-0) and Natalia Francesca (8-7) meet 10 rounds at Philadelphia, Pa. Also, feathers Jaclyne McTamney (4-0) and Colleen Davis (4-5-1) meet six.
Zambia
On Saturday July 25, super bantams Lina Kasweka (9-3) and Mariam Dick (3-3-1) meet eight rounds at Lusaka. Also, Gracious Malembeka (2-0) and Joyce Chileshe (1-5) meet six; and flyweights Charity Phiri (1-0) and Loveness Kokha (4-12-1) meet six.
