(NOV 3) In our third series of
stories on "Where are they Now", WBAN has recently been in
contact with Elena "Baby Doll" Reid" a flyweight who fought from
2000 to 2010 accumulating an impressive amount of pro fights
over the 30 mark. She fought such greats as Regina Halmich,
Layla McCarter, Alicia Ashley, Ava Knight, Susi Kentikian, Nadia
Hokmi...and the list goes on. Reid told WBAN the
following:
"I am so grateful to have spent my young life pursuing the sport
of boxing. I feel so blessed to have been in some aspects. I
made goals, worked hard and got to enjoy adventures and life in
ways most people can only dream of. I will never forget how much
and how many people helped me through the years to attain the
goal of being a deserved champion. (A special thanks to Boza
Edwards who helped me without ever expecting anything back. What
a beautiful thing it was to love and be passionate about life.)
My passion now is being a mother
and helping give back to my community. Being a mother has given
me more joy than I have ever known. I had always been interested
in helping but boxing gave me a unique tool to help. Boxing can
do so much to help people in many aspects of life. It can be a
stress reliever, confidence builder, help in cognitive function,
general health, or a goal or means to a better life. I may not
be competing, but boxing will always remain a huge part of who I
am and what I do. This is where I have to thank my husband for
having a real job, so I can once again pursue what I love.
I hope to see women’s boxing in
the USA, take a note from Germany. It’s not about a “one
woman show” it’s about exciting competition. There are many
women out there who are stellar athletes and exciting fighters.
The UFC is an amazing machine and knows how to promote and sell.
Only promoting one woman and not
showing or promoting competition among women only leads to
'women fighters as sideshows.' The World should know
about the Melinda Coopers', Kay S West, Ava Knight, Monica
Lovato, Layla Mcarter, Ann Wolf, and countless others. There is
such a deep pool around the world of competitive female boxers.
The problem is the promoters not paying to promote these
deserving athletes. I will continue to speak to anyone who will
listen about the benefits of boxing and the amazing women in the
sport."
Elena added, "Where I am now: I’m happy, thankful, tired,
surrounded by a beautiful family. I hope to be able to promote
the sport I love."