Jeffries set to battle for first NABF women’s super bantamweight
title; Road Warrior to face another unknown opponent in Mexico’s
Ramirez
Hollister – When she takes the outdoors ring tonight at Yakama Nation Legends Casino, Kelsey Jeffries knows one thing for sure – she won’t be rusty.
Just a month removed from her thrilling bout with Melissa Hernandez, the Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay steps in for another title fight in Toppenish, Wash. At stake is a novelty. Jeffries will try to fend off opponent Lina Ramirez in pursuit of the first-ever NABF (North American Boxing Federation) women’s super bantamweight belt.
Before leaving Hollister on Thursday, Jeffries said her split draw on June 15 to retain the IFBA (International Female Boxers Association) featherweight title left her in good shape for tonight’s bout.
“I think I’m probably going to be sharper mentally because I just came off that fight,” the Road Warrior said. “I’m always ready for any fight, whether I’ve had a half year off or a week off. I feel really mentally ready for this fight and I’m always physically ready.”
Once again, Jeffries (33-9-1) enters the ring knowing very little about Ramirez, a boxer from Sinaloa, Mexico. After up-and-comer Hernandez stayed in the fight for the full 10 rounds in Canyonville, Oreg., often forcing Jeffries into defensive positions, the Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay spoke of her desire to dictate the action to Ramirez.
“The most important thing for any fighter is to fight their fight,” she said. “Make them fight your fight. Do what I want to do and not what she wants to do.”
Jeffries spoke of seeing both sides of going in “blind.”
“I have no idea about this girl,” she said. “I guess I like it that way. Not knowing. I’ve just got to expect the worst. Good right hand or good left hand, that’s good to know. (But) she could change. I could study her style, but she could change everything.”
Asked the mindset she would take into the fight, Jeffries said, “Hopefully be ready for anything. Not be surprised.”
Bruce Anderson, Jeffries’ manager, said Ramirez’s professional record of 10-8 included some bouts that should put her in good shape to challenge the Road Warrior, a fact Jeffries won’t overlook despite her opponent’s relative inexperience in prestigious bouts.
“She’s been in with some tough cookies,” Anderson related. “(Jeffries) is training like it’s going to be another Hernandez.”
After giving up nearly 10 pounds to the bruising Hernandez, Jeffries spoke of her eagerness to fight in the super bantamweight (122-pound) class again, believing that Ramirez would be much closer to her fighting weight.
But Ramirez weighed in at 124 pounds Friday and likely will pack on even more weight before the opening bell. While the development left Jeffries as the sole potential winner of the title – Ramirez can’t earn the NABF belt even with a victory tonight because she exceeded the 122-pound limit – the Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay can expect another significantly heavier foe.
Returning to Legends Casino for the fourth time, Jeffries is pleased to have a shot at the initial women’s super bantamweight belt in an organization that is an arm of the WBC (World Boxing Council).
Despite her brief rest, the Road Warrior said she was focused and intent on starting a new winning streak after receiving the first split draw of her career.
“It was a good month off, well, a couple days there,” said Jeffries with a laugh. “I should be real sharp … and we’ll see. I’m hoping to be good, sharp and ready to go.”
