Women Cops Who Box – Segment founded by Sue TL Fox who served as a Police Officer/Detective

Sue TL Fox, Founder and President of  the WBAN,  and the IWBHF created the history-first  Special segment, “©Women Cops Who Box”.

Fox is a RETIRED POLICE OFFICER from the State of OREGON, and worked in law enforcement with part of that time in detectives retiring in 2008, who boxed professionally in the late 1970s and competed as an amateur in full-contact boxing and light contact Karate.  Fox also worked with the Police Activities League (PAL), in Oregon working with youths as a coach/instructor in boxing and karate. [photo: 1990]

BELGIUM’S DELFINE PERSOON

WBAN has just added one of the top female boxers, Belgium’s Delfine Persoon to our “Women Cops Who Box” segment. Persoon  has been fighting professionally since 2009.  Delfine Persoon, one of the top female boxers in the world, has accumulated close to 50 pro fights, and world title belts in the process! Added to her resume, she also works in law enforcement!  Persoon told WBAN, “I started with the police in 2007, and attended a one-year academy. From October of 2008, until 2016, I worked with the Fédérale Police – Railway police West Flanders.”  ”From June 2016, until today, she is working with the Fédérale Police – coordination and support management West Flanders, which is public order is our core business-intervention corps”, added Persoon.  Persoon is amazing and has fought the best in the sport. WBAN is happy to add her to our law enforcement segment on the site!

POSTHUMOUS NATALIE CORONA – KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

In 2019,  the Memorial Service was held in Davis, California, for slain rookie officer Natalie Corona, just 22 years old when she was killed on duty.  According to news sources Officer Corona was ambushed Thursday night while responding to a three-vehicle crash, Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel said.  Corona was shot and killed when a shooter opened fire as she was investigating the crash in the city west of Sacramento.  We honored Natalie with a Special Award at our International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame event that took place in Brisbane, California.

IRMA “TORNADO” GARCIA – WORLD CHAMPION – LAWYER – POLICE OFFICER IN MEXICO  

Irma “Tornado” Garcia, who has been boxing professional since 2010, and is currently fighting the very best in the sport. She is ranked #3 in the world, and has fought more than 20 plus pro bouts.  Garcia is passionate about combating discrimination and violence against women in Mexico, saying “I must confess that the road has not been easy. It’s amazing that in this century we still have to deal with the macho mentality of many who still discriminate (against people) because they are women.”

SAMANTHA SALAZAR – DALLAS POLICE OFFICER BY DAY – PROFESSIONAL BOXER BY NIGHT 

5’4″ flyweight, Samantha “The Enforcer” Salazar, born March 27, 1986,  is a professional female boxer from Dallas, Texas. She’s a police officer by day and dedicates most of her spare time in the gym training boxing and caring for her family.  Salazar began professionally boxing in August of 2015.

TIARA BROWN – A WASHINGTON DC METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICER

Tiara Brown a Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer – Tiara Brown, an elite amateur boxer who turned pro in September 2016.  She not only a boxer by night, but a Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer.  She is currently signed with Lou Dibella, of DiBella Entertainment.  Thus far, since her last pro fight, she is currently undefeated as of June 30, 2018.   Brown is originally from Myers, Florida.

MISSY “THE FURY” FIORENTINO – RETIRED WORLD CHAMPION AND A RHODE ISLAND DEPUTY MARSHALL

Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino from Cranston, Rhode Island boxed professionally from 2001 – 2008.  She had successfully made the transition from amateur kick-boxer to professional boxer. Her rapid firing, power-punching style has led to her being described as “the Rocky Marciano of women’s boxing”. Missy is a graduate of Roger Williams College. As a Rhode Island Deputy Marshall, her responsibilities include transporting prisoners from to the courthouse in Providence. “Some of the prisoners have seen me fight on television,” she says, “Once in a while one will say to another … better not mess with her or she’ll knock you out.”  [Full biography of Missy Fiorentino when she was currently boxing and when we covered her active fighting career.]

KATHY “THE SHADOW” WILLIAMS – A PROFESSIONAL BOXER AND POLICE OFFICER FROM THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA

Retired professional boxer Kathy Williams boxed professionally from 1998 to 2003.  At the time she was listed as a police officer  from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  She retired from boxing, at having a 13-5-0 (4KO) record, and winning a WIBA  Super Flyweight World champion in 2000 during her career. Williams was a fine example of the new breed of women boxers during this time who step into the professional boxing ring after first getting a thorough schooling in the fundamentals as amateurs. Kathy also was a two-time Canadian national amateur champion who also represented her country in international tournaments in Sweden and Finland. [Full biography of Kathy Williams when she was currently boxing and when we covered her active fighting career.]

CHERYL “MOTOR CITY BAD GIRL” MUHAMMAD – A DETROIT POLICE OFFICER

Cheryl “Motor City Bad Girl” Muhammad, now retired boxed professionally from January – July 2005.  She had four pro fights,  and winning by stoppage, accumulating a 4-0-0 (4KO) record.  Muhammad fought in the heavyweight and light heavyweight division.  She is a Detroit police officer and according to news sources she donates her time working with battered women in shelters at the time we covered her in boxing.

MARY ANN OWEN – RETIRED LAS VEGAS CORRECTIONS OFFICER

Mary Ann Owen, a top Las Vegas photographer, and a Retired Las Vegas Corrections Officer since 2005.  Owen was trained in Muay Thai with Master Toddy then switched to boxing, with Roger Mayweather was her  trainer.  Owen told WBAN, “I used boxing as a method to stay in shape and self defense.”  Owen has been a Professional Boxing Photographer since 1996.  She has covered the high-profile world title bouts throughout the years for males and females, and continues to do great coverage at the fights and other boxing coverage in gyms, press conferences, weigh-ins and more!  Mary Ann Owen was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) in 2020, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

NORTON GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMP BECOMES MANSFIELD POLICE OFFICER

Norton Golden Gloves champ becomes Mansfield police officer

August 22, 2017-TAUNTON – Norton boxer Melanie Costa – nicknamed “The Pit Bull” – has been very busy over the past year. In July, she traveled to Florida and won her fourth national Women’s Golden Gloves title belt in the 119-pound weight class

TRACY BYRD – MICHIGAN POLICE OFFICER

Tracy Byrd was a City of Flint, Michigan police officer, and is now working in law enforcement in Las Vegas, Nevada. Byrd is a mother of one son, and is the former  IFBA lightweight champion from 1997.  BYRD who comes from a close-knit boxing family has been involved with other family members to form Byrd Boxing, Inc. and the Joe Byrd Academy.  Byrd has fought the best and continues to be an outstanding role model for other women boxers.  Byrd is now living in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is working for the school police.

ALEX LOVE – AMATEUR BOXER – ONE OF THE TOP AMATEURS IN THE SPORT – TURNED PRO AND THEN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

November 8, 2019 -WBAN had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Love earlier this week—and we wanted to give the latest update on what she is doing now. I had the opportunity of watching her fight in the amateurs, in Spokane, Washington when she was one of only 24 female amateur boxers who could compete in the Olympic Trials event that I attended at that time. Love told WBAN the following: “After the Olympic Trials in 2015, I finished my time with the Army in August of 2017. I was fortunate to box in the World Class Athlete Program for the military. I enjoyed the end of my military career because I focused on my assigned job in preparation of transitioning out of the military.”

CORINNE “GOOSE” VANRYKDEGROOT  

Corinne fought as a  Featherweight to Junior Lightweight, and a former member of the Ottawa Police Force and Hollywood stuntwoman, first stepped into a boxing ring in January 1998 in Atlanta, GA. This is where her story begins.  GOOSE began her professional boxing career on July 25, 1998 with a 4th round decision against Lisa Cuevas in Lake Worth, Fl. During the past three years, Goose has been honing her boxing skills and techniques by training with some of the boxing world’s bests, such as: Chris Johnston, Ronnie Shields, Joe Goosen and Joel Judah.   On September 21, 2001, GOOSE won a unanimous six round decision over Brenda Vickers (#8 ranked Featherweight IWBF) in Tampa, FL.  Vanrykdegroot participated in a reality show to compete in becoming the top pick for an Action Hero.  She is no longer boxing. As of 2006, she has played a speaking part in the movie “The Guardian” that stars Kevin Costner.  She plays a bartender.  Corrine may be coming back into boxing this year (2007!).

VALERIE MAHFOOD

Valerie Mahfood, a multi-World Champion attended the academy for Correctional Officers directly from High School.  She was the youngest to ever be admitted and of 300 applications, one of only two women selected. Upon graduation, she received her unit of assignment. She had been assigned to a maximum security, all male institution. Her family who were concerned, tried to urge her to quit, go to college, but being of a slightly stubborn nature—she refused. Valerie’s family would have probably preferred she have a different career in the criminal justice system, like a Houston criminal defense attorney, rather than a career as a corrections officer.   Mahfood was inducted into the 2020 International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame.  She was honored after the Covid with our event that took place in 2022, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

BONNIE WHERRY – CLEVELAND POLICE OFFICER

Bonnie Wherry, mother of two, and a Cleveland Police Officer has been boxing since 1998.  Wherry is the second to the youngest of 13 children. Wherry grew up in Cleveland and loves working in the community.  Wherry told WBAN, “I have a passion for boxing and hopefully the world will soon see that I am also talented in the sport. My father always wanted one of the thirteen to box, (one of the 8 boys) but I am the one. My father  passed away March 98 and never had the chance to see me fight or become a Police officer. I know in my heart he would be proud if he were here. The first belt that I win will be for him.”

JEAN E. MARTIN – POLICE SERGEANT IN NEW YORK

Jean E. Martin, in her 30’s, is not only one of the amateur women boxers in the world, but is a Sergeant with the New York City Police Department, and has been for 14 years. Martin is the only female to have won the New York Golden Gloves tournament five (5) times. Three times at the 139 lbs. and twice in 145 lbs. weight class. She is also the first and only Female on the N.Y.P.D. PBA Boxing Team. Boxing record 37 wins 5 losses…Full Story

NICELLE RAWLINGS – AMATEUR BOXER – POLICE OFFICER IN CANADA

Nicelle Rawlings, 134 lbs.,  is a police officer in Peel Region, Canada.  She made her amateur debut at the HUF Gym, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, last February 9, 2003.  Rawlings won her first fight with a unanimous decision.  Rawlings had two previous exhibitions before having her first amateur bout.  Rawlings is a stable mate of Olga Heron.

CHRIS KREUZ – CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER

Chris Kreuz…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. Chicago’s Chris Kreuz at age 33 (5’5″, 126 lbs.), recently made her comeback on April 10, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois after a three-year layoff. With a convincing first round knockout, this Windy City native looks like she never left the ring.  Kreuz is retired from boxing.

ROBIN YAKHOUR – STATE OF WASHINGTON POLICE OFFICER

Robin Yakhour, 112 pounds, is currently a police officer in the state of Washington. Robin got inspired to get back into shape after reading the book The Boxer’s Workout. She integrated the boxing training that she read about with a weight training routine.   Eventually Robin joined a boxing gym where she could spar and work on technique and form. Robin said, “It wasn’t too long after that I had decided that  I wanted to actually compete. I had just turned 32 and didn’t feel I had a lot of good amateur time left. I ended up taking a pro fight on four days notice. My opponent came into town weighing 10 lbs. more than I did and I ended up losing on points.”  Robin talked about her second professional bout, “The second pro fight that I took was unfortunately ‘dejevou’. My opponent weighed in 10 lbs. more than me, and again, I lost on points. This has really been the most frustrating aspect for me, but regardless, it’s been  a good experience and I’ve sincerely enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve had.”  Robin has an Associate of Science in Fisheries Technology.  One of her past times is playing the drums and she is an avid lover of American Indian Art.    Robin currently works in Vancouver, Washington as a police officer and is not boxing professionally at this time.

VERONICA SIMMONS – BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Veronica Simmons, Of Brooklyn, New York works in law Enforcement (Corrections) in NY.  Veronica began boxing in 1995. She has won four straight New York City Golden gloves titles: the middleweight Division in 1996, the light heavyweight division in 1997.  the Heavyweight division in 1998 and the light heavyweight division again in 1999.Simmons made boxing history twice by becoming the first Women to win four straight golden gloves titles, and winning at three different weight divisions. In 1997 when she won the National 178 lb title she defeated current Pro Boxer Trina Ortega and Suzette Taylor. In 1998 Veronica stopped Adriana Smith of San Bernardino California at 1:56 of the first round and won her second National Gold Medal. In 1999 Veronica won her gold medal by knocking out Diana Matty of Plantation, Florida with one punch in the first round. This win made Veronica the first three-time National Champion in the history of USA Boxing event.  Veronica was equally impression at the Feenix Box Cup in Turku, Finland. She earned a gold medal and did not allow none of her opponents go past the first round. Veronica Simmons is perhaps the most decorated former female amateur boxer in the U. S. with her 4 New York Golden Gloves, 3 National Championships, a Feenix Cup title, along with a 15-0 record with 11 knockouts. Veronica is now 3-0-0 as a pro. Simmons has been inactive in women’s boxing in the last few years.

DAWN QUINTON – POLICE SERGEANT

Dawn Quinton Fought as a Professional from 1997-1998 and a Police Sergeant -When we included Dawn Quinton, 1-1-0, at the time in the early part of 2000, she was currently a police sergeant for the Delaware River Port Authority Police of NJ/PA. Dawn boxed in 1997-1998, and had two professional fights.  At the time, we interviewed her and asked her about her boxing career, and why she had stopped boxing after only two fights.  Dawn told WBAN,  “I disappeared from the scene because I was disgusted. I woke up and saw the politics involved in boxing and felt I was being manipulated. I was told that Kathy Rivers was also fighting her second fight. I found out that it was her fourth fight the night before the fight. I was told nothing about my opponent not even her height. I know now that I was poorly managed and didn’t train properly for someone of her height and reach. As you know these factors are important in preparing and training for a fight. I respect women’s boxing too much to be used as a punching bag.” [More on this past interview on WBAN.

SPARKLE LEE – BOXING REFEREE – NEW YORK POLICE DEPT – POLICE OFFICER FOR 20 YEARS

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sparkle Lee toiled in relative anonymity as an amateur boxing referee. Still she was able to garner a reputation as someone who was willing to officiate a fight anywhere at any time. She worked in basements, as well as in bigger venues, but the important fights always seemed to elude her. On more than one occasion her friends and family members asked her why she stuck with a job that was so unwelcoming to women. “I was doing what I loved, and I always had a lot of faith,” said the 47-year-old Lee, who recently retired from the NYPD after serving as a Bronx police officer for 20 years. “I loved the sport and I always believed in it, so I never thought of quitting. Not even once.” Over the years, Lee has become an unwitting trailblazer. In 1998, she became the first woman in history to referee a New York City Golden Gloves bout. Three years later she was the first female referee appointed to the New York State Athletic Commission.