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After
a three-year layoff, Chicago’s Chris Kreuz at age 34
(5’5", 126 lbs), made her comeback on April 10, 1998,
against Marsha Evans in Chicago, Illinois. With a convincing
first round knockout, this Windy City native looks as if she
never left the ring.
Upon
obtaining her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the
University of Illinois at Chicago, she became a Chicago Police
Officer, which had always been her desire. Then she was
introduced to the world of boxing. Chris didn’t have to
think twice about it. She knew in her heart that it was her
destiny. The first time she put on the gloves, they were
clearly a perfect fit.
Chris
began her boxing career in 1989, and was one of the few
pioneers of women’s boxing. Prior to her layoff, Chris
traveled overseas to gain fight experience and knowledge of
the sport. Upon returning from Japan, Chris won the WWBA Jr.
Featherweight Championship. With her extremely likable
personality, she has won the hearts of Chicagoans, and her
fans can’t wait to see her go all the way to the top.
In
September of 1994, Chris suffered a loss to Christy Martin.
Many critics felt the fight was a bad managerial decision, as
she was severely outweighed, and it was too early in her
career to fight Martin. Chris Kreuz now has a new management
team.
After
her layoff, Chris returned to her trainer, Pat La Cassa of the
Windy City Gym. La Cassa stated, "Chris is a
boxer-puncher. She’s a trainer’s dream and extremely
dedicated to training." La Cassa is confident that Chris
is, by far, the best female boxer in her weight class. With
Pat’s guidance and Chris’ natural boxing abilities, there
will be no doubt in anyone's mind that Chris Kreuz is the
pound for pound best featherweight in the world.
Chris
has a powerful right hand and stunning jabs. Yet, most
compelling of her skills are her speed, power and accuracy.
She patiently waits for the second her opponent loses focus.
That’s when she comes on with a barrage of power punches at
lightning speed until they drop to the canvass. She’s
relentless in her attack with devastating blows to the head
and body. Chris is a versatile fighter who has no fear. Her
confidence is an asset because she backs it up in the ring.
During
Chris’ layoff from boxing, she followed the female boxing
circuit religiously. Earlier in her career, the opportunities
and challenges were somewhat limited in women’s boxing. With
the increased interest and improved competition, Chris
re-entered professional boxing confident that she can and will
beat any opponent in her weight class. Only those who have
never seen Chris Kreuz fight might feel that’s a strong
statement to make, but anyone who sees her fight will have no
doubt that this Windy City favorite is unstoppable.
On
July 31, 1998 Chris fought undefeated Deborah Nichols of
Dalton, Georgia at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Two judges called the fight a draw while the other judge had
Chris by two points. The fight was selected as the "Fight
of the Night". Chris felt confident that she won, but she
graciously accepted the draw.
Chris’
next bout was on March 5, 1999 against undefeated Anari
DeSouza of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Temecula, California.
This bout also ended in a draw. There was a three way split on
the scorecards.
On
April 30, 1999 Chris had a rematch with Anari DeSouza at the
Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Chris won by a
unanimous decision.
On October 33,
2999, she fought Sandra Yard
for the vacant IFBA Featherweight title on October 22,
1999. The all female card is scheduled to be televised on
ESPN2. She lost by a unanimous decision.
April 8, 2000 - Poland
Chris lost to Iwona Guzowska in
a 10-round unanimous decision, and retained her WIBO featherweight
title. She also gained the IWBF Featherweight
"World" Unification.
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