(OCT 22)  This week I had an opportunity to interview Ava "Lady of Boxing" Knight, of Chico, California. She talks about her boxing career, and her last fight and much more!

WBAN: What have you been up to lately and what is your current situation related to boxing?

Ava: Lately I have been training, staying in shape, waiting for a call for a fight, but it seems to not be coming. I have moved to Oakland, California, and started working with Coach Ben Bautista, a coach of many good professional and amateur fighters. Many of the calls that come in never come through and the ones that do want a six round fight and want to pay an absurd amount of money. It seems to be a really bad year for me and boxing.

WBAN: Assess your last performance.

Ava: Well, you ask anyone who has lost a fight, and they will tell you they had a bad day. That’s exactly what I had. I felt so mistreated in Mexico and had no ambition to fight after being there for a week. I broke down mentally and also fought hurt. But regardless, Torres beat me. I knew I lost the last round but some of those score cards were ridiculous. I want a rematch maybe mid next year if they allow me. After watching her last fight and getting healthy and straight minded, I feel that title is mine.

WBAN: What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Ava: I think that last fight was the highlight of my career. It was my first loss. The first chance for people to say, "Oh, she wasn't that good." Now I have to "prove" myself. Now that I lost, I'm not that good anymore. Who wants to prove that I am or not? I love to be under estimated. All but my first fight, I was the underdog and I feel I have come out on top regardless of decisions. Every fight is a chance to grow and learn. Experience is everything and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.

WBAN: What are your short and long term goals?

Ava: Titles, I want to live out this career to the fullest. I know you can't win them all, but I will fight my heart out to do so. I want to be champion; I want to be an advocate for woman's boxing. I want to be on TV to show that women are just as good as men. I want to prove we are worth your time and money and we can put on just as good and a better show then the boys.

WBAN: What weight do you want to fight at?

Ava: Well, I walk around at 115lbs depending on my diet. I would fight from 110-118. I feel that is logical. I don't like sucking down weight and gaining weight may be a problem as other women are starting to suck down weight. But right now and it always seemed to be the bigger girls are the ones that only take the fight.

WBAN: Who do you want to fight next?

Ava: Anyone and everyone in the right weight classes. In Italy, France, U.S., Mexico, Brazil against anyone or anywhere. I have nothing to lose. I have always been here. I have always made challenges. I have been told I don't have enough experience to fight over seas, but those girls are fighting girls either not ranked or ranked lower than me. Now I have been deemed inactive not by my choice. When will they step up, when will I get a call, when will I get a chance? I don't know, but I'm here and I'm waiting for anyone willing and able. If you want names I'll make a short list: Susi Kentikian, Simona Gilassi, Mariana Juarez, Ana Maria Torres (rematch), Nadia Hokmi, Alesia Graf, Stephanie Dobbs, Elena Reid (Rematch), Nadia Raoui, Jodi Esquibel (rematch). Just to name a few.

WBAN: Is there anything that you want to say in closing?

Ava: I have never said "NO" and I have never walked away. I have always brought a fight, I have always made a good show. I will always be good competition and I will always smile in your face. I am here and I will always think I'm better than you. I will watch you show your guns and laugh because in this game, muscles and looks mean nothing. I have always been in the shadows, maybe avoided or just looked over, but I'm in here! I'm waiting! If I have been so under estimated why am I not getting a call??? Why am I not being used as a "stepping stone"? Why are champions fighting poor and mismatched opponents and I'm not fighting at all. Give us a call!!! But please, don't insult me with $1,500 purses. Thank you.