| |
Welterweight
Faatimah (Tamika) Balmer, 24 years old, discovered boxing at the very
young age of five working out and training with her father and uncle.
However her true passion for the sport had yet to flourish. Faatimah’s
tomboyish ways saw her participating in many sports including
football, basketball, track, hockey etc. It was only after having a
chance to meeting with Jacqui Frazier-Lyde and subsequent invitation to
train at the family’s Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s Gym did her passion and
love for the sport kick into full gear.
Shortly after
starting at the gym, Joe Frazier noticed that there was something
special about the quiet, hard working new girl and personally took her
under his wing. It was not long before she really started to blossom
and was ready for competition.
Joe started calling her “Champ”, and when asked why he would answer
“because she will be”, some accolade for sure and one which Faatimah
has lived up to with her stellar 42 (14KO) - 6 amateur record as well
as racking up numerous city, state and regional titles.
Faatimah, who is mother to three young children, is keen to set her
family a good example, not only in the ring - where her ultimate goal is
to be World Champion - but also in life, establishing independence,
business sense and a hard work ethic as core values.
In May 2008 Faatimah turned professional under the guidance of
renowned trainer Zahir Justice of The Fast Lane Gym in West
Philadelphia, who says “Faatimah is a formidable fighter, with raw
power and energy that is surely going to take her to the top”.
Faatimah doesn’t need to boast about her talent or brag about being
destined to be World Champion, she is more than happy to let her hands
do the talking – in the ring. |
|
|
|
