Melissa McMorrow-Unsung in the era of the Olympics
“Honestly, I was surprised that Kenia picked such a big fight [for] her first title defense … And the only thing I can think, is that they just completely underestimated me.”[vii]
Still, what she wanted was the Ava Knight fight, if nothing else than as a coda on her career but the fight that might have been, never happened.
McMorrow battled on with two more fights. What turned out to be her penultimate bout was a 2016 non-title ten-round loss on the cards against the experienced Esmeralda Moreno (35-12-2, 11-KOs) in Mexico City. For her last bout, McMorrow finally fought for the long-promised green-belt fly championship. The match against Ibeth Zamora was set for May 5, 2018, also in Mexico City. Coming off an eighteen-month layoff, McMorrow was less successful at pushing the fight inside. She fought tenaciously, but Zamora’s stinging power proved the difference, which allowed her to earn the unanimous decision win.
Back in 2014 ahead of her battle against Jessica Chavez, McMorrow had said,
“In order to compete in a sport like boxing, you have to love it. It is very difficult to train as I much as I do, and to look after your weight, etc. Sometimes I ask myself why it is so important to me. It sometimes seems really silly … I strive to be good at whatever I do and I hope that when I’m done boxing, a little piece of me will stay with the sport and people will remember who I was …”[viii]
McMorrow retired from boxing with an outstanding record of achievement. She’d had spectacular wins, but the seeming promise of increased opportunities with the coming of Olympic competition for women’s boxing did not really materialize for her. Outside of the small circle of boxing aficionados, she never gained the appreciation nor the opportunity to fight the big bouts at home in the USA, even after such Olympians as Claressa Shields, Marlen Esparza, and Mikaela Mayer were gaining traction on fight cards and on television beginning in 2017.
As with most things in the sport, the usual answer is, “that’s boxing.” One thing is for certain: McMorrow’s induction into the IWBHF will ensure she will always be remembered for her accomplishments in the ring.
Notes:
[i] David A. Avila, “Female Flyweight Division Opens Up With McMorrow’s Win Over Kentikian,” The Sweet Science, tss.ib.tv, May 19, 2012.
[ii] “Fighting like a girl: Bay Area boxer wins world championship,” Eltecolotate.com, March 25, 2015.
[iii] Mark Jones, “The Sweet Side of the Sweet Science – 2013 Year End Reviews & Awards, KO Digest, fitefansho.blogspot.com, January 3, 2014.
[iv] ITRboxing, Melissa McMorrow ‘I want my WBC title shot then Ava Knight fight.,’ ITRboxing, Youtube.com, January 3, 2015.
[v] “Melissa McMorrow: A Lifetime of Breaking Barriers,” University Athletic Association, uaasports.info, October 6, 2016.
[vi] Press Release: Mighty Melissa McMorrow, WBAN, womenboxing.com, August 29, 2014.
[vii] “Fighting like a girl: Bay Area boxer wins world championship,” Eltecolotate.com, March 25, 2015.
[viii] Malissa Smith, “Melissa McMorrow Seeking Redemption in Mexico: Exclusive Q and A,” Girlboxing.org, August 14, 2014.
Girlboxing! The wit and wisdom of the ring!
Girlboxing! Website
Girlboxing! Twitter
Girlboxing! Facebook
Source: https://girlboxing.org/2023/11/19/melissa-mcmorrow-unsung-in-the-era-of-the-olympics/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,706,552,816 |
| Stories: | 8,445,952 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
