Ana María Torres: “La Guerrera” — Mexico’s Unforgettable Force in Women’s Boxing
In the storied lineage of Mexican boxing, there is a figure whose career reshaped expectations for women in the sport: Ana María Torres Ramírez, affectionately known as “La Guerrera”. Born January 25, 1980, in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, México, Torres became one of the most dominant and respected female fighters of her era.
Beginnings: A Young Boxer in a Changing World
Torres stepped through the ropes for her professional debut on July 3, 1999, at the iconic Arena México. Facing Mariana “La Barbie” Juárez, a future legend herself, Torres won by split decision in a bout that stands as one of the first sanctioned women’s professional fights in Mexico after longstanding restrictions on female pugilists were lifted. The crowd, in many ways unaccustomed to women in the ring, greeted the fighters with skepticism and even hostility. Torres responded with resolve. Her orthodox stance, disciplined technique, and combative spirit (earned through early taekwondo and later refined under elite boxing tutelage) became hallmarks of a fighter who knew how to meld grace with ferocity.
Rise to World Champion
Torres’s ascent began in earnest as she carved her path through the super-flyweight (junior bantamweight) division. She won her first major world title in 2007, capturing the WBC female super-flyweight championship. Torres would go on to defend that title more than a dozen times, becoming one of the most feared and respected champions in her division.
In 2011, Torres won the WBC Diamond Belt. Her victory over Jackie “La Princesa Azteca” Nava for that belt was a symbolic moment in women’s boxing, showcasing an elite level of competition and skill rarely seen on that stage.
Battles That Defined an Era
Her trilogy with Mariana Juárez, which included battles for national and world superiority, stands as one of Mexican boxing’s landmark series. She also faced international talents across continents, including Myung Ok Ryu of North Korea and rising stars from Thailand, Germany, and Japan.
Notably, Torres engaged in memorable bouts with iconic rival Jackie Nava, trading victories and drawing massive attention to women’s boxing. Their encounters solidified both women as cornerstones in the sport’s growth during the 2000s.
Legacy Beyond the Ring
By the time she hung up her gloves in 2012, Torres had amassed an impressive professional ledger: 28 wins, 16 by knockout, with only 3 losses and 3 draws.
In June 2024, Torres was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) at Canastota, New York, as part of the Class of 2024, becoming one of the few women to earn that honor and only the second Mexican woman inducted after Laura Serrano. Standing among global boxing greats, alongside figures like Ricky Hatton and Michael Moorer, Torres’s induction affirms her role not just as a champion, but as a trailblazer whose influence helped reshape the sport for future generations of women.
In her Hall of Fame speech, Torres reflected on the long journey from noise-filled arenas where women fought for recognition to a world stage that now celebrates their contributions. She paid tribute to family, mentors, and fans who believed in her vision and championed women’s boxing through decades of evolution.
A Fighter’s Heart
Ana María “La Guerrera” Torres’s story is one of transformation from a young fighter breaking cultural boundaries to an icon whose name will forever be inscribed alongside boxing’s immortals. She sought respect for herself, her sport, and the women who would follow. Her path was one of discipline, courage, and unwavering belief in what was possible.
The Prizefighters recognizes Ana María “La Guerrera” Torres on her birthday today and wishes her all the best!