Sumya Anani

Sumya Anani is considered as one of the top female boxers in the world. She was born on February 12, 1972 and turned pro in 1996.

Her path to boxing was a roundabout one. She was working as a massage therapist when she decided to take self-defense classes. She impressed her coach with the power of her punches and her athletic skill that it was suggested that she look into women’s boxing. She started to participate in fights that were mostly held in and around Kansas, where she lived. She slowly made a name for herself. A notable fight early in her career was against Katherine Dallam. The fight ended in a 4th round knock out. Dallam suffered career-ending injuries.

Anani 9th career fight was in 1998 against Andrea DeShong. She won against DeShong. Later that same year, Anani met world welterweight champion, and DeShong’s rival, Christy Martin on the ring. They fought in Forth Lauderdale. Anani was victorious against Martin and successful ended the latter’s 34 bouts winning streak. Her defeat of Martin helped to propel her to the top of women’s boxing.

She won her next four fights, but was defeated by Britt Van Buskirk. Anani requested for a rematch, while waiting for it, she took away the IBA title from Liz Mueller. Her rematch with Buskrik ended with a win. She later fought against Fredia Gibbs. The match against Gibbs ended in a draw.

In 2002, she won her 3rd WIBA light welterweight title by defeating Jane Couch. She won her 4th title later that year against Lisa Howleyne. In 2003, she had a rematch against Gibbs, which ended in a first round KO in her favor. Following her win, Anani was inactive for a year. Her next match was against Howleyne. Anani defeated her and claimed the titles previously held by Howleyne.

In 2003, she was named the best pound-for-pound boxer by Ring Magazine. In 2004, after only one week notice, Anani faced Stephanie Jaramillo. The fight was held in Kansas and ended in a victory in favor of Anani.