A most remarkable and unique
boxing career came to an end in Karlsruhe Friday night.
Such a headline for a boxer
going into retirement is usually synonymous with a decisive loss,
but Regina Halmich is no usual boxer. She was determined to end her
career as world champion, and a loss would have meant a return to
the ring for her.
Her opponent, Hagar Shmoulefeld from Israel, did her very best to
prolong Halmich's boxing career, and very nearly succeeded. She was
instrumental in making Halmich's exit from the boxing ring a highly
competitive and memorable event.
One judge saw the fight even at 95-95
while the two others voted 96-94 and 97-94 in favour of the
defending champion.
Hagar Shmoulefeld did make life difficult for the retiring champion
throughout the fight, and especially in the ninth round, where
Halmich was visibly shaken. She came well prepared tactically and
she proved that she was well conditioned to go the 10 rounds. The
Israelite's counter boxing was effective for long stretches of the
fight, while Halmich's work rate, aggressiveness and cleaner
punching probably gave her the edge on the judges score cards.
Both boxers deserve praise for producing a very attractive fight.
Halmich can retire as a true champion, and Hagar Shmoulefeld has
proved that she is world champion material.
The fight was watched on television by eight million people, with an
audience share of nearly 40 percent. Those ratings are higher than
all but the biggest men's fights in Germany, where boxing is
popular. [quote from International Herald Tribune]
#
# #
#
For Online IWBHF Tickets for
Next Event!
Check Our Next Annual International
Women's Boxing Hall of Fame Event that we have to celebrate hour IWBHF
Inductees and Special Award Recipients!
Next Event, Go Here!
Our Online
WBAN/IWBHF Online Store
Proceeds from the Online Store is to
continue our mission to support the INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S BOXING HALL OF
FAME. The Official collection includes IWBHF and WBAN Merchandise and
Memorabilia from the WBAN Boxing Collection. We will continue to list
items from the collection and merchandise.
