(FEB 17) Jessica Rakoczy is considered one of the best lightweight fighters
in the United States. A tough childhood that could have ended her up on the
wrong side of the tracks; Rakoczy took to boxing and made a career out of
it. Now with her first world title just a grasp away, Rakoczy reflects on
her life, a year off and yes that memorable fight with Jenifer
“All-American” Alcorn.
TL Fox: Can you tell boxing fans about your background?
Rakoczy: I
grew in Hamilton Ontario Canada, with my mom and older brother. I would
follow my brother, because I wanted to hang out with him, and I looked up to
him. My brother was into Karate, Basketball and Hockey, and is four years
older than me. But…my brother used to beat me up everyday!
TL
Fox: Did you ever win against your brother?
Rakoczy: No, not then….but I would now!
TL Fox: When you were growing up, what kind of activities did you get
into?
Rakoczy: I did ballet from age 3 for 13 years, I also taught ballet
to young kids, and took tap jazz and other dance forms as well. I got
into basketball, swimming, hockey and track and even played baseball on the
male high school baseball team, where II played leftfield. All through
middle school and high school, I DID EVERYTHING. Track, etc. That year in
1995 we made nationals so it was great experience.
What kind of life did you have when growing up?
Rakoczy: I grew up poor----but didn’t know it growing up. However it
did teach me to appreciate what I have and to work hard for things. I was
having a hard time in school. I began working at the age of 13, at a snack
bar, and also working as a skate guard patrolling the ice. It was a tough
living environment at home, so I moved out at 15 years old. I had been gone
for about six months, and I was 16 at that time, when my mom passed away
unexpectedly without anyone knowing that she had Cancer.
So I basically raised myself. I lived in a basement apartment, and had a
couple of jobs. When I was 17, I started working in bar, and worked very
late hours so I struggled in school.
Then I met a person named Rich Menna, and he brought me to the Regency
Boxing Gym. It changed my life! When I first went there, I didn’t even know
females were even into the sport. It was sport I fell in love with and
really took to it! I also felt like I had a family!
TL Fox: How soon did you start to fight?
Rakoczy:
Very shortly after starting my training, I fought in the Ontario
Championship (Amateurs), my first fight, and I won the gold medal. Two
years later I went pro.
TL Fox: How did you end up coming to the USA?
Rakoczy: I
had a friend, Marty Mc Sorley, a NHL Hockey player who knew the people at
America Presents and he helped me get to Colorado where I began training
with Larry Goossen and Ray Sefo. I had seven fights with America Presents.
But when the company split up, I went independent and started fighting on
the West Coast in Vegas and LA.
TL Fox: As a pro who were some of your early influences?
Rakoczy:
My biggest influence was Laura Serrano, she is very positive and her plus
her work ethic....also, she is a very loyal person. Another boxer is Laila
Ali, who is a very big influence. She is very down to earth and willing to
help in any way possible. Through her and Johnny McClain, he helped me with
my promotion, and even helped me get into Vogue Magazine with Laila.
TL
Fox: In your fight with Jennifer Alcorn, many fight fans thought that you
really got the short end of the stick, what were some of your thoughts about
this fight that had resulted in a controversial split?
Rakoczy:
Definitely a learning process-----learning to deal with loss….not knowing
what the real truth was, if I had really lost or was it a hometown decision.
That was the toughest part. Lots of reflection.
TL Fox: WBAN has heard that you are working with a new
trainer, have you changed your training?
Rakoczy:
I have a new trainer, a new
game plan, so I really understanding boxing better now. Mentally and having
explanations about why I should do some rather than just throwing for show,
and also being on defense to continue to throw punches.
TL Fox: You have been absent from the ring for one year why did you take
time off?
Rakoczy:
I
had a car accident and broke my arm which prevented me from a fight against
Lisa Lewis back in July on ESPN2 in Pismo Beach, after release from the
doctor in December I have been training again, I trained in Canada with my
first coach, David Finch who has trained the Canadian National Team.
TL Fox: Tell us about your training regimen?
My
training is actually fun right now; Donald House is my new pro trainer and
has made it very interesting he put a spark back into my training. Donald
House typically trains men, William Abelyan and many UFC fighters.
TL Fox: What do you know about the upcoming fight against Lisa Lewis?
Rakoczy:
I know she comes to fight and she is very tough girl with a lot of heart, I
really respect that about her!
TL Fox: You have also faced other females in the 135 lb class--- who has
been the toughest?
Rakoczy:
Jenifer was the most memorable, Layla McCarter, she is an extremely
technical fighter with a lot of skill. It was nice to fight someone like
that, because the punches came sharper and made the fight look better, which
brought a better fight out of myself.
TL Fox: Who would you like to fight next?
Rakoczy: I
really wanted to fight, Jenifer Alcorn. I was extremely disappointed to hear
that she retired. I wish had the opportunity to face her once more. I
believe that if you consider yourself a champion, then part of that makes
your legacy is the title defenses and to prove you are a true champion.
I
faced Jenifer in her backyard and all I wanted was a rematch of a fight many
thought was her closest battle to date. Jenifer was a great a champion but
stopped short of her final hurdle!
TL Fox: Rumor has it that Mia St John could be in the mix for you, any
comments?
Rakoczy:
Perfect! I would love to fight her!
TL Fox: What are your predictions for this fight?
Rakoczy:
I think this will a tough fight and Lisa is very strong, but I think it’s my
year to shine---it’s my destiny. Last year was not meant to be, but 2004 is
my year!
TL Fox:
Any
final comments?
I
really want to thank the people at the Palace Casino in Lemoore, Adam
Gonzalez, Christian Printup, George Chung there promoter and his staff. They
gave me a chance for my first title shot and made a commitment to me that
they would honor another fight with me win or lose. Most promoters give you
that line they honored it! They also tried to get me a rematch with Alcorn,
but Alcorn did not want it. I understand she has to do what she has to do,
that’s fine. But the Palace took a chance bringing me back after Jenifer
retired. So I am grateful for the second chance, I wont let them down! |