(DEC 5) Two years ago, IFBA champion Ji-Hyun Park, arguably the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, dominated young American fighter Jodie Esquibel, winning a unanimous decision.

That was then, this is now.

On Sunday, December 11, 2011,  the two will square off in the ring again as Park (14-2, 5 KO) defends her long-held IFBA World Strawweight title for the ninth time. The 10-round championship bout takes place in Goeje City, South Korea.

Esquibel is counting on a completely different fight and expects to stun the champion with an overhauled approach, fine-tuned by highly respected trainer Mike Winklejohn.

Photo by: Sue TL Fox - Esquibel (left)

“I feel like I’m a completely different fighter now. I was young when I did the first fight. My training was good then, but it’s great now. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve changed a few things and it’ll be a completely different fight,” she said.

Esquibel, who hails from Albuquerque, NM, knows fighting Park on the champion’s home turf will be a challenge, but it’s one she welcomes.

“I go into the fight understanding it’s her hometown and her home country and that I’m going in there up against an extremely tough opponent. I have to win a clear decision or come home with a knockout. It’s an honor to go over there and fight and represent the States. I wouldn’t do it any other way.”

This championship fight brings down the curtain on a very successful IFBA year, with nearly a dozen championship battles across the globe.