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AMBER'S ROAD TO SUCCESS
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A: Yes, in my first international competition, USA vs. Canada, against Donna Mancuso I freaked out! I had difficulty with enough training time prior to the competition due to my job. I felt unprepared. (Insecurity, strike one.) On arrival I was deliberately misinformed (why? who knows? not me) by a personal coach of my own teammate that Donna was 5'11" (I am only 5'2"), the toughest woman on the Canadian team and I had the fight of my life ahead of me. Oh, my God! I was so intimidated! (Fear, strike two.) The altitude made our prebout running work hard on the lungs. Again, I questioned my own endurance. (Doubt, strike three.) I cried on the phone with my mom hours before the bout and told her that I couldn't possibly win. I lost that bout in my head long before I stepped into the ring. The fact that she was 5'9"and had more experience was irrelevant. I lost to the intimidation first and just stood in that ring...frozen. |
My friend, Sara, (far right) took a last minute flight to be at USA vs Canada when she heard my panic over the phone and did her best to fight my apprehension and be encouraging. |
Q: Have you ever been injured?
A: I have had my nose broken twice, bruised ribs once, a severe thumb injury and the usual athlete injuries of pulled muscles and bruises occasionally. People have to realize that I've had as many severe injuries in my life outside the boxing ring: broken collar bone, dislocated elbow, sprained ankles, shin splints, front tooth knocked out, raw ripped hands from gymnastics, etc.
Q: Is there any advice you would give to an aspiring female boxer?
A: Stop wishing and start working.
Anything is possible. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
When I began boxing so many people told me I'd never be successful. They said I was too old, said I didn't look tough enough, boxing wasn't for women ANYWAY! Now, here I am...#1 in the USA for two years. Let society's limits challenge and motivate you. When someone tells me I can't do something I am determined, then, to do it just to prove them wrong!
Be dedicated. Don't give up.
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Add strength training to your routine. Some strength training companies even give scholarships to athletes that work hard, show dedication and potential as well as have financial need. My strength training with Division One Performance (D-1) is sponsored and has been from the start. D-1 starts with a huge emphasis on the "I CAN" attitude. Corey Miceli, my coach, was the first person outside of my family to believe in me. He was so encouraging and supportive. His theory is that constant awareness of a positive attitude prepares the mind to function unconsciously and confidently under the stress of competition. When things are rough D-1 training kicks in and tells me I can do anything and I will finish strong! |
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Pictured with Corey Miceli (far right) of D-1 |
My strength training with gives me explosive power. Ladder drills improve my footwork and balance. My endurance has improved by altering my long distance run to a series of sprints to simulate my 2 minute boxing rounds, training my heart and body for spurts of energy. Other training tips are more sport specific and personalized for my own strengths and weaknesses. D-1 strength training gives me an edge that other boxers don't have available to them. I believe Division One was largely responsible for bringing my national ranking from 6th in the US in 1999 (before D-1) to #1 in the US in 2000 (preparing for nationals for 5 months with D-1).
Q: If you could use only 3 words to describe yourself what would they be?
A: Outgoing. Independent. Determined.
Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?
A: I carry a lot of responsibility, have overcome many obstacles and taken the hard road too often. I am proud that I was strong enough during difficult times. I feel that maintaining a positive attitude, being a good mother, continuing to set personal goals and meeting life head on is an accomplishment every day. I try to keep an open mind and grow each day.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
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A: I find my motivation in women I see every day, struggling through the day, everyday women with too much burden… women like my mom, my neighbor, strangers on the street. Strong women of independent spirit, honest and outspoken, inspire me. Women that are willing to work hard, determined to reach their goals, never letting discouragement or hard times hold them back from their dreams make me believe in myself, let me know that I am not alone in my struggles and others have achieved and I can too. These role models motivate me to be a better person, a good mother, a hard worker, and a top competitor. I hope that, one day, I can be an inspiration of strength and independence for other women. I would like to encourage others to believe anything is possible, nothing is out of reach, and that hard work, truly, will make a dream come true. I'd like to tell them "FIGHT for your dreams, whatever they may be. I know what you are going through. Don't give up. You can do it, be strong! If you don't believe in yourself, who will?" |
My mom has always been my role model: kind, hardworking, supportive. She somehow finds time to exercise: competitive power lifting! |
Q: What are your goals for boxing?
A: Boxing takes my athletic ability and drive for accomplishment and adds the knowledge of boxing and strength training coaches. Together we have molded the #1 female amateur boxer in the nation at 132#. So many people and sponsors have come together to help me achieve a long list of national and Chicago Championship titles and a bronze medal at the first Amateur Women's World Boxing Championships. My goal is to combine my motivation, passion and commitment to boxing with the tools of my boxing coach, Sam Colonna and the strength of Division One Performance to make my World Championship dream come true.
Q: Have you ever been offered a pro contract?
A: Yes, I was offered pro contracts early on. Most women are offered pro contracts with very little ability or experience. I wanted to wait until my skills were good enough to have proper defense for the removal of headgear at the professional ranks. I, also, wanted to box amateur until I could establish a decent record and have the opportunity for international competition. I would like to achieve the highest goal possible as an amateur: the world championship title. Then, I'd be ready to start a new chapter in my boxing career.
Unfortunately, financial difficulty may force me to turn pro sooner than I'd like. Amateur female boxers must pay all of their own expenses to national tournaments, etc. Women do not get the help from USA Boxing that men get because women's boxing isn't yet an Olympic sport. To turn pro means that even if I never make any money...a promoter will pay the expenses for me to follow my boxing dream. Unfortunately, the amateur ranks lose skilled boxers to the professional ranks in many cases because of this financial hardship
Q: How do you feel about female boxing being called a side show? What is your reaction to the women that box in less traditional boxing apparel?
A: Boxing is entertainment, p-e-r-i-o-d (men's or women's). A woman's femininity is a part of her. It doesn't matter what she wears if she can box. If she wants to reveal her more feminine qualities I say go for it. I don't think it is any different than the beautiful male torsos I love to watch on Friday night fights. The women that have defined, athletic bodies work hard for strength, endurance and beauty. Why should they have to dress like a man? The boxing skill is what matters, not the look. If a person can have style, as well as skill, it is just one more asset of the personality.
Q: What does the future hold for you? How long do you plan to stay in boxing?
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A: I am taking the next month off to catch up on things at home. I will consider the professional contracts I have been offered. I favor a Chicago promoter, Dominic Pesoli. He is an honest man and he has spent a lot of time explaining to me contracts and the politics of boxing. My main concern is to be able to support my family while pursuing this dream and to have the travel involved affect my children as little as possible, both of which are made difficult with the small number of female boxers out there. To support my family I would have to box once a month, nearly unheard of for any boxer, male or female, even willing to travel. I see the rest of my life revolving around boxing in one form or another. When I am done competing I will consider the doors that open to me such as coaching, officiating, gym ownership, etc. I would like to open a facility or program for disadvantaged youth. It is important for me to provide opportunities for those that may otherwise have none. I'd like to share the confidence and knowledge, athletic and otherwise, that I feel fortunate to have had passed on to me. |
Pictured with Auggie Sallas of MAYAA (Mexican American Youth Athletic Association). I look forward to volunteer work with the kids of this organization when my time is more flexible. |
Later, I will look for new challenges in my life. My kids want to know if I will be a WWF wrestler next! I don't think that is for me but I might consider bike racing or Olympic power lifting! I am a good athlete. Isn't that what life is all about? Find what you are good at, enjoy and maximize on that. Achieve your maximum potential and beyond, according to my strength trainers at D-1.
***Title pictures courtesy of Bob Marovitz (WBAN)***
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Copyright © 2003 BoxerChick.com. All Rights Reserved.
A:
Yes, there is fear when a boxer steps into the ring. My biggest fear is
about pride, not pain. I am afraid of losing, of being 2nd best. I am
afraid I don't work hard enough. I'm afraid I don't want it enough. My
next fear is to be labeled a brawler, which is essentially saying "without
skill". We all strive to be the best at what we do, the best writer, lawyer
or police officer. I am afraid I won't measure up. That world title is
in the back of my mind everyday that I sweat at the gym. The dietary commitments
and sacrifices, etc. are easier with the world championship in mind. The
fear of pain must be kept under strict control to avoid freezing up in
the ring. A boxer can't let the intimidation factor lose the fight before
even stepping in the ring. 
