(NOV 22) When Rhonda Luna (15-1-2
2KO) leaves Monday headed to Sangju, South Korea for her fight with
Ji Hye Woo (10-1 1KO), she leaves knowing that there has been a sea
of controversy over the last few fights in Korea.. "I can't concern
myself with that. The only thought I have on that, is that I know I
am going to have to leave everything in the ring, no punch
unanswered."
Rhonda has worked fervently and
tirelessly since her draw with Gloria Ramirez to improve her
power and timing. "I was disappointed with my performance in
that fight. I am capable of so much more than what I showed in
that fight and I think we have figured all of that out. I love
boxing, but boxing is not my life. I am not ashamed to say that.
I have perspective now. I know where my balance lies and I
believe my team and I have made all the right changes. No one
knows this Rhonda Luna. It took me nine years to get here and
this is my time. I have learned how to be present in ring and
how to leave other business out of the ring. When I am boxing it
is all about boxing. I have a power within me that has yet to be
seen and I know I must be relentless in my execution of our
plan."
There is no doubt that Rhonda
Luna has been a tough and durable fighter. She is a woman of few
words but when she speaks, it is with a raw honesty. She has
indeed made some interesting changes in her training. I have no
doubt that Ji Hye Woo has yet to see the likes of the grit and
drive that Rhonda Luna plans to deliver on November 28th, 2009
in Sangju. "I am ready" Rhonda told me, " more ready than I have
ever been, it is my time and I have prepared for this in a
different frame of mind." It was evident in her sparring, in her
conditioning, even in the look in her eye as she conveyed her
intention.
There is something different
about Rhonda Luna....a desire and a hunger you could sense.
Let's just hope that if Rhonda's plan is successful, that the
decision will be fair and there will be no need to fight another
fight out of the ring for justice.
Rhonda's sparring partner for
today's session was two time National Amateur Champion Mikaela
Mayer