With several years of amateur experience, and training with well known and well respected trainers, Ana was diligent in her commitment to excellence.  “If you are serious about boxing you sacrifice.  I learned so much from boxing.  The discipline helped me to understand who I am, to make better decisions.  Boxing is a tool that helped to make me a smart athlete and to perform to the best of my ability, in the ring and in life.  Boxing really is like life and it is the greatest teacher, you just have to remember to have fun with it.”  Hard work, sacrifice, dedication….and fun, yes that’s life and that is boxing.

Ana described herself as a quiet, timid, shy and passive little girl, but found herself at some point watching Bruce Lee movies. The magic of Bruce Lee stirred the soul of that little girl and a desire welled within her.  Through Bruce Lee, Ana identified a cultural similarity and a passion for the art of fighting. His style, grace and talent mesmerized her.  “I wasn’t sure where I fit in; I didn’t know who I was. I found some kind of purpose I guess, in seeing a successful Chinese American like Bruce Lee”.  That influence propelled her forward, embracing her own heritage as a Filipino American and as she began boxing, a new Ana emerged.  A stronger, more confident little girl, who in recognizing her value, developed a strong, deep desire.  That desire became a goal, and the goal was to become a world champion.  Initially her parents were not  fond of the idea that their daughter had taken up boxing, but once they witnessed her commitment to the sport, they quickly got on board and are very supportive.

“I am not sure where all of this is taking me, she said, it is all so new. But I am the same person I have always been.  I have always tried to have fun with boxing.  I appreciate the wonderful things that have come from this and I want to be an example to other girls within my community and elsewhere . I am excited about the 2012 Olympics including women and I want to be supportive. They will be experiencing so much. They will have grueling workouts and will have to make many sacrifices to achieve their dreams as Olympians.  Being a champion comes with responsibility.  I want to be an example to young female athletes. While I was an amateur, I admired Kelsey Jeffries. She was a good and positive champion. I never thought I would one day fight her, that it would be a championship fight and that I would win that fight.  I always knew I had the potential. I have always put my best out there. I want to hang this lifetime on a hook knowing I tried to accomplish as much in my life as I can, being the best example I can.”