(OCT 30) Last night at the Irvine Marriott in Irvine, California, Jennifer Barber returned to the ring after a long layoff in a blaze of glory! In what some might consider her best performance to date, Jennifer danced her way to a quick and decisive victory. From the first round to the last Barber was able to frustrate Ramirez with a honed set of skills rarely seen in women's boxing.

Gloria Ramirez prior to bout with Barber

Ramirez who was coming in off a draw with Rhonda Luna, had the tools to do the job but was unable to find her rhythm or execute her plan. For the most part,  Ramirez is a talented boxer with heart and drive.....but this was not her night. Ramirez said "I felt stiff, I could see the openings and I made her miss, but I just couldn't get the shots off the way I wanted to."

Although this was not the night,  Ramirez expected and she has indeed had better nights, Ramirez does understand the adjustments she needs to make and has a plan to do so. Ramirez is a quality fighter who has been in this game a long time. I am sure we will see her again soon, in good form and ready to show us she knows how to make the changes that will keep her in this game.

Barber had no problem with execution or movement. She pressed the action and fired off flurries of punches that had the crowd jumping from their seats and cheering wildly as their hometown girl displayed an exhibition of speed, power and finesse that they have come to expect from this gifted fighter. This was her night and she made the most of it. If there was any ring rust from her lengthy layoff.....there was no evidence of it. Barber was in spectacular form with a brilliantly executed plan that was carried off immaculately! This was in fact a glorious night for Barber who is a technician with the precision and technique of a skilled surgeon in the removal of her opponent! Bravo Jennifer....this is the way Women's Boxing should look! This fight was the main event on this card and it truly deserved it's place.

Although I am not particularly fond of this venue from a photographic perspective, (there is no ringside photo opportunities) Roy Englebrecht Promotions and his Battle of the Ballroom production continues to thrill the boxing community. Television and film star David James Elliott from the series JAG and enthusiastic well known boxers such as Chris Byrd were on hand to cheer their favorite fighters on. The venue was packed.

Roy Englebrecht continues to include women on his cards. He has for years. I appreciate his commitment to the women in this sport and I am grateful that he continues to keep a spot open on his cards to showcase their talent.