By Kirk Lang
Feb 9, 2007–Rhode Island Convention Center – Providence, Rhode Island – Local favorite Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt won the vacant IWBF lightweight title with a one-sided victory over one of the most recognizable faces in women’s boxing – former Playboy pin-up Mia “The Knockout” St. John.
Clampitt earned a 10-round decision by scores of 100-90 (twice) and 99-91.
St. John – who proved she was more than a promotional gimmick when she went 10 credible rounds with Christy Martin in 2002 – did not look impressive against the ever-aggressive Clampitt. Now 39 years old, St. John’s offense seemed minimal compared to her opponent. Clampitt, of Narragansett, RI, was busier, put together better combinations and had more steam on her shots.
Well behind on the scorecards, St. John, of Oxnard, CA, finally picked up the pace in the 7th round and put together a half-dozen punch combination. A head butt from St. John near the end of the stanza opened a gash on the top of Clampitt’s head. It was the only damage St. John, 135, would inflict all night. A ringside doctor looked at the cut and allowed the fight to go on. Clampitt, 135, would continue to dominate the bout but St. John gave a better account of herself in the later rounds (most notably two good right hands in the eighth round) than in the early going.
Clampitt had previously held the IWBF belt but lost it in May 2006 to then-stable mate Melissa “Missy” Fiorentino. Fiorentino was still Clampitt’s stablemate when the Clampitt- St. John bout took place. However, Fiorentino would be released from her promotional contract with Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) days later due to “detrimental behavior at the ‘Hearts of Fire’ show.” CES President Jimmy Burchfield was upset Fiorentino walked to the ring with St. John and stood in her corner just before the Clampitt-St. John title fight began.
“CES stands for teamwork, family and togetherness,” said Burchfield, when explaining his reason to release Fiorentino. “That’s what we are all about and anyone who isn’t cannot be with us, regardless of the fighter’s record and accomplishments.” Clampitt raised her record to 17-4-1 (7) with the win over St. John. St. John is now 43-8-2 (18).
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