History First: Mastrodouka to Make History in Greece – by David Wilkey

Photo by John G. Wilson

Greek female Super-Featherweight boxer Areti Mastrodouka (6-0) is to make boxing history in Greece this coming Saturday March 29, 2014 as she participates in the first ever professional bout to be held in the country.  The 37 year-old will face Slovakian Claudia Ferenci in her 7th fight as a professional in a six-round bout in Athens, as she continues her journey towards a world title.

All of Mastrodouka’s previous professional bouts have been at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, London. As a result the southpaw fighter has been travelling from her home country to train under the tutelage of Alec Wilkey alongside the rest of his team who are based at Lansbury ABC in Poplar. Mastrodouka won her first title as a professional back in November 2012 by beating Lana Cooper to win the International Masters Title.

Areti known as ‘The Master’ had a flourishing amateur career winning a Silver Medal at the 2002 World Championships and a Bronze medal at the European Championships a year later. Women’s boxing has now been thrust into the public eye after the success of its introduction into the Olympic Games at London 2012, and as a result it is gaining in popularity and looking to expand with this bout paying testament to that.

Not only could this open doors for other females in the sport but it could also be a catalyst in kick-starting a professional boxing scene in Greece for its male competitors. No doubt there will be some keen supporters attending the bout to witness a part of Greek boxing history.