Dianna "Lightning" Lewis has been a physically strong athlete all of her life. Dianna started her athletic pursuits at a young age. She was active in gymnastics, track, cheerleading, softball, and one of her favorites, flag football. A trainer who saw her in these activities and recognized her natural strength suggested she try power lifting. Her first time in the gym, at age 12, she bench pressed 125 lbs. She went on to compete in power lifting for a period of time. After graduating from high school she traveled the Midwest for a brief time as a professional wrestler under the tutelage of the famous Dick The Bruiser. This was a period in which she remembers as being a fun time in her life.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, which she still claims as her hometown, Dianna now lives and co- owns an information technology business in a suburb of Chicago. She graduate from college with a degree in computer science.

Dianna was always an avid boxing fan growing up, she always wanted to box. She initially worked out with a lot of enthusiasm but little guidance. In fact, she had her first two Pro fights without having a trainer. She had her first bout in December of 1997, which resulted in a controversial draw. She had her second fight five days later. That one ended when she KOed her opponent in the 2nd round. She has gone on to earn an 8-1-1 record. The one loss came in a very close decision at the hands of Britt VanBuskirk during an ESPN2 covered fight in November of 1999. The loss over this very tall opponent has given Dianna the incentive to work even harder and be ready for the challenges that remain ahead.

Dianna trains daily with road work and weight training. She works out regularly at a Chicago-area boxing gym and drives to Whiting, Indiana to work with her trainer, Dennis Hardesty. Dianna is determined to become a champion in the welterweight or jr. welterweight division. She fights at 140-145 lbs. She is anxious to face more the challenging opposition that will be necessary to move her on to the upper levels of competition and the championship to which she aspires.

During the years Dianna married and divorced, leaving her as a single mother of two boys, who have been the source of her strength and drive. Her oldest son, Donte, who had Cerebral Palsy died on February 22, 1999. Donte was a strong source for Dianna's determination to succeed in the world of boxing. He was always by her side whether she was working out or running (in a special chair). Now, her primary incentive to achieve great heights in boxing is to be able to help other parents and their children who face problems such as her son, Donte. Having a title will help give a platform from which to speak out on the subject. Dianna now is very active with her 11 year old son, Dolan, helping him with his homework and providing the guidance an active 6th grader needs.

Dianna attacks everything she does with more than maximum effort, whether it be her computer business, helping her son, or training to face her next opponent, whomever that may be. Dianna is a tremendous spokesperson for female boxing and a great role model for aspiring female boxers. She is determined to work her way to the top.

Updates:  In August, 2000, Dianna Lewis fought Christy Martin and lost by a 10-round unanimous decision.