News
Eye On The Ladies
Just like men’s boxing, women’s boxing can be tough when it comes to politics and allegiances. It’s enough to drive some women from the sport. But the red tape and a few bad decisions weren’t about to scare away Kelsey Jeffries.
Boxing is medicine to Jeffries, a pleasant elixir that washes away any concerns of the moment. The 29-year-old featherweight from Gilroy, California has been a pro for five years. She’s overcome a turbulent personal life and some early managerial changes to secure the IFBA featherweight title, which she won in 2002 and has now defended three times.
The 5’ 5â€? Jeffries, 30-8 (2), has a 10-fight winning streak, has managerial stability under Oregon-based Bruce Anderson, and has one of the top trainers in the world, Buddy McGirt, working her corner. There hasn’t been a better time in her professional career.
“For a while, it was tough,� Jeffries conceded. “I had to go to Europe to get fights, and both times I thought I won, but wasn’t given the decision. That was very discouraging for me. But I love the sport; I love fighting. I’m addicted to it. I have been since I was young.�
Jeffries overcame the tragic loss of her older brother, who died suddenly when he was 20. She endured the trying times when her mother divorced and remarried. By her late teens, Jeffries was living on her own, supporting herself by making money cleaning friends’ homes.
Like many female pro’s, Jeffries segued into boxing through kickboxing, which she began when she was 15. Early in her pro career, she hit some rough patches, at one point losing four fights in a row. But times have changed.
“I’m on cloud nine with Buddy and Bruce,” she said. “I like to think that this is my reward for all the things I’ve been through. I feel like I’m the luckiest fighter alive, even through I barely make enough to make my mortgage.â€?
World Boxing page 13, April 2005 by Joe Santoliquito
