Local fighter to face Rhonda Luna in IFBA belt defense
The i’s have been dotted and the t’s have been crossed and Kelsey Jeffries is set to defend her International Female Boxers Association featherweight belt against undefeated Rhonda Luna on March 22 in Albuquerque, N.M.
“All the contracts are signed,” said Bruce Anderson, manager of the South Valley-based boxer who lives in Hollister. “Putting together the contract was a work of art.”
Jeffries (36-9-1, 3 KOs) last fought Nov. 4 against Lina Ramirez, when she earned a victory by unanimous decision.
Luna (11-0-1, 1 KO), an Irvine native, is coming off a majority decision Thursday over Sosadea Razo. Two judges scored the bout in favor of Luna, who was fighting in her hometown, while one judge ruled it a draw.
“She’s short and throws a lot of punches,” Anderson said of the 5-foot-2 fighter. “If she stays right there inside, she’s going to be in trouble (against Jeffries).”
The fight will take place at the Isleta Casino and will to be televised live on Fox Sports’ Best Damn Sports Show Period. Anderson is excited for the chance for the “Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay” to showcase herself to the TV audience.
“This is a great opportunity for her for show her skill to the nation,” Anderson said.
Jeffries plans to arrive in New Mexico on March 18 to get acclimated to the mile-high elevation in Albuquerque.
She’s in touch by phone daily with trainer Buddy McGirt and is following his instructed regimen.
“Because of who she is you can train her long distance,” Anderson said. “I haven’t any met any other fighter like that. She’s very disciplined.”
Common opponents for Jeffries and Luna include Ramirez, who Luna also earned a unanimous decision victory against.
“Ramirez is such an unorthodox fighter and throws from such awkward angles, that it doesn’t help much,” Anderson said of analyzing both fighter’s matches against Ramirez.
Jeffries has also fought Razo, winning a four-round unanimous decision nearly five years ago.
Other fights on the card include Holly Holm (16-1-2, 5 KOs) facing Ann Marie Saccurato (12-1-2, 5 KOs) in an historic main event. The welterweight unification bout will be the first female fight with six titles on the line.
Jackie Chavez (9-2, 3 KOs) will also put her IFBA junior featherweight title on the line in a rematch with Lisa Brown (12-3-3, 4 KOs). Three other local bouts will round out the card.
