Darlina Valdez returns to ring

Historic copyright information:  Santa Fe, N.M.,  Sunday , October 28, 1984   THE NEW MEXICAN    C-3

Santa Fe’s Darlina Valdez, who won the first world title ever decided in women’s boxing, will return to the ring for the first time in more than a year Saturday to take on Arlene Weber of Albuquerque in a six round, non-title bout.

The match will be at the Civic Auditorium in Albuquerque and will be fought  midway through the Toughman contest. The card is scheduled to begin a 8 p.m.

Valdez won the bantamweight (113-118 pounds) title last October and has been frustrated in her attempt to find opponents since.

She said it wasn’t because other women were afraid of her, “it’s just getting promoters to promote female boxing and pay reasonable purses.”

Valdez would not disclose the purse she will receive Saturday. The 29-year-old had some concern for the type of audience that attends Toughman fights, “but I’m just going to go in there and do what I have to do. I try to blank myself out of everybody there.”

Her next title match may be in the distant future since the International Women’s Boxing Association is presently in disarray. Valdez said she has seen Weber kick-box, and expects a good fight from her.

Tickets in Santa Fe are available at Video Library. Reserved seats are $11, $9 upstairs.