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Fight by fight, site by site, the legend of Mariana Juarez grows every day
across the Southwest.
The Mexican beauty seems to have that magnetic attraction that only a few
fighters possess like a perpetual golden spotlight.
Juarez may be the “Golden Girl,” the female equivalent to Oscar De La Hoya,
but like the Golden Boy she has to prove it in the ring. On Saturday she
faces veteran fighter Linda Tenberg (11-9) at the Pasadena Fairgrounds in
Houston, Texas. The first bout begins at 7 p.m.
Raised on the streets of Mexico City, Juarez (12-3-3) fought in tough bouts
against other Mexican bantamweights with little to show for it but bumps and
bruises. The paydays were ridiculously low and the battles fierce.
“When I fought for the Mexican title the arena was full,” said Juarez, 24,
who fought a losing decision against Ana Maria Torres for the Mexican
bantamweight championship in 2002. “It was the most exciting fight I’ve ever
fought but there was little boxing.”
After that fight she moved north in search of richer purses and better
training. Her friend Marco Antonio Barrera convinced her the move was wise.
Unlike men, women are not protected and perfect records are virtually
nonexistent.
Now veteran trainer Ben Lira prepares her daily routines and shows her
boxing techniques that are not favored in Mexico. Jabs, defense and footwork
are worked on every day.
“Mexicans don’t like to see boxing, they want to see brawling and
knockouts,” Juarez said, smiling as if remembering a narrow escape. “They
don’t like to see jabs.”
Juarez’s first fight in the states was against Elena “Baby Doll” Reid, a
left-handed slugger. Both junior bantamweights were unaware of each other in
that first contest and engaged in one of the most exciting fights of the
year. It ended in a six-round draw.
“I’d love to fight Elena Reid again,” said Juarez with that tint of
excitement. It’s a rather strange emotion she shows in her eyes when an
interesting challenge might take place.
Last week, Juarez met IBA junior lightweight champion Chevelle Hallback at a
fight card in Rancho Mirage. When told that Hallback would be willing to
spar a burst of happiness crossed her face.
“She loves a challenge,” said Lira, who formerly trained Linda Carrillo an
amateur flyweight National Champion. “It’s in her blood.”
After sparring several rounds with the very athletic and hard-hitting
Hallback, a sense of fulfillment on Juarez’s face showed she was happy with
the day’s work.
“She’s real good,” said Hallback, who is considered one of the best female
prizefighters on the planet. “She’s pretty strong for her size.”
On Saturday the lithe Juarez hopes to translate her preparation and sparring
into a victory against Tenberg. She loves the fact that Reid fought and beat
her twice in spirited battles. It motivates her.
“I’m going to do my best,” Juarez said. “I want to show my fans.”
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