(APRIL 17) In the dynamic world of sports, few stories resonate as powerfully female boxers and trailblazers Christine Kreuz. In this interview, we wanted to do a “Where are they Now” Q & A with Kreuz.

Sue TL Fox:  Chris, can you start by talking about your background and what led you to pursue a career in law enforcement?

Christine:  I'll start my story from my college years. I went to the University of Illinois at Chicago on a four-year softball scholarship. I was recruited as a pitcher and also played 2nd base. I went to school to be an athletic trainer, and during my 2nd year of playing I hurt my knee. I was sidelined for half the year. and at that point something changed and I switched gears and decided to get a law enforcement degree. My grandfather was a police officer in the suburb of Chicago, and I remember always admiring him. He was a sharpshooter and remember him having won so many metals. Law enforcement seemed to be an exciting and rewarding profession. I finished with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Physical Education. It was at the end of my college days when I got interested in boxing and I started my boxing career. I boxed for the next 8-9 years, and then at 30 years old, I took the police test and started my career on the Chicago Police Department.

Sue TL Fox:  When did you retired from Law Enforcement?

Christine:   I worked 26 years on the Chicago Police Department and retired in 2020. I loved my job,! I loved being the police! I remember being in the academy and one of the instructors said this job is like having "front row seats to the greatest show on earth" !!!!! That summed it up perfectly. I worked the first 3 years in patrol. I was then asked to work on the tactical team. (plain clothes) which was an honor because your chosen and asked to work on team which consisted of 10 men or women on a team. That exposed me to some really dangerous situations, but that's one of the reasons I wanted to be the police. I worked on the tactical team for 6 years, and then shifted to being a School Resource Officer. I then worked in a Chicago Public School for the next 17 years. I found my happy place in the schools. It was quite challenging....We had a big gang problem and the gangs would fight all the time. We worked really hard in the public schools. I loved it though, the kids became "my kids", I was soooooo rewarded everyday. I had many roles in the schools. I was the police, a coach, a mentor, a mom, a cheerleader. etc. I believe I changed (for the better), so many kids lives over the years., I'm very happy and proud of the amount of kids lives I did change.

Q: Transitioning from law enforcement to boxing is quite a shift. How did you find your way into the boxing world when unfortunately was a struggle to be in the sport in the 1990s to 2000’s?

Christine:  About 38 years ago, I attended an event in Chicago which featured two women fighting. I saw the women fight and knew I wanted to learn to box. After the show, I reached out to the promoter and said I was interested in boxing. He said he taught women's boxing, come to the gym and train. I trained for approxmately three months and then had my 1st amateur fight. It was held at former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka's restaurant in Downtown Chicago. It was a pretty big deal. I won the fight, and I was hooked, That was the beginning of an amazing boxing career with many trial and tribulations I encountered during my years of boxing.

Boxing definitely prepared me for the police department. Over the years, boxing taught me so many life lessons. Not only was I physically and mentally strong, but I was confident. Boxing requires intense concentration, it pushes you to persevere, it taught me to be disciplined, to have respect, and humility. Those lessons were invaluable on the police job.

Sue TL Fox:  During your boxing career from 1992 to 2000, what were some of the most memorable moments for you?

Christine: Wow, I had so many.... where do I start?! I have to say my most memorable memory was fighting Christy Martin. She had just signed with Don King. She was the biggest name in boxing..... I had just started the police academy at that time, and I wasn't training much at that time, but I couldn't pass up that opportunity. I flew to Japan with Leon Spinks and several other athletes and traveled around the country putting on exhibitions in each city. In a month span, we had 18 shows in 18 different cities. At the end of the tour, we had  one big finale fight at the Tokyo Dome. I fought in Atlantic City on an all-female card. Jackie Kallen was the promoter.

I fought in Poland, I was invited to New York City for the grand Opening of Geraldo Riveras boxing gym. Sugar Ray Leonard was their promoting his boxing exercise video the Box Out, and I worked out with him.

I fought in Temecula Cali where Julio Cesar Chavez was in attendance;  Fought in Shreveport, Louisiana; Worked out with George Foreman. While I was fighting, I taught women's boxing at an local health club. It was the 1st year they allowed women in the Chicago Golden Gloves.

I brought 9 girls that I trained to the tournament, and 8 of them were champs. It was a historic moment for those girls. I was interviewed while I was boxing by Paula Zahn on CBS This Morning; at home plate in Wrigley Field during All-Star baseball game held in Chicago.

This may seem trivial now, but 30+ years ago when we were fighting to be recognized and established in the sport, it gave us women fighters more credibility and opened up many other doors. And Lastly, I was inducted into the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023!!.

Q: You’ve certainly faced challenges throughout your career. Can you share some obstacles you had to overcome as a female boxer and police officer?

Christine: Yes, there have been challenges. In the beginning of my boxing career we had limited opportunities, we fought stereotypes, pay disparities, and lack of recognition. In the police department, I had to earn the respect from my fellow officers with how I handled myself in different situations.

Sue TL Fox:  In your opinion, how has the perception of female boxers changed since you began your career?

Christine:   OMG, the perception has significantly changed over time. We were once thought of a novelty act, or sideshow. We had to fight really hard both in and outside of the ring to gain the respect and recognition as legitimate athletes. It has taken so many years to earn that title, I believe it has been my generation of female fighters that really has paved the way, and has given the women fighting today, the opportunity to have become the athletes, the role models, and the household names they've become.

Sue TL Fox: Looking back on your dual career, what lessons have you learned that you would pass on to aspiring female athletes and first responders?

Christine:   Don't let anyone discourage you from your dreams. You need to live the life that makes you happy. 

Sue TL Fox: You were located in Chicago for many years, what made you decide to re-locate to Florida?

Christine: My grandparents moved to Florida when we were young, and we vacationed there every year. It became my happy place. When I retired I wanted a calmer life. I love Chicago, but it was time to move to a slower lifestyle . ohhh..And, I never wanted to see snow again....lol I live in the Fort Myers area, I love it!

Sue TL Fox:  You took on some of the very top female boxers in the sport that included Yvonne Trevino, Christy Martin, Deborah Nichols and more? How did you happen to get that opportunity to fight them when you were active?

Christine:   I had many amateur fights before  turning pro and was establishing a reputation in the sport. My ex Marshall was also my promotor and networked hard to get me the fights.

Sue TL Fox:  After retiring from professional boxing did you continue to do things outside the ring, i.e, train other fighters, run a gym etc?

Christine:  I did train women years ago, I've really never stopped working out at the boxing gym. I have worked with different female fighters, but none that are training to fight.  I still train today. Its in my blood. I found a great boxing gym in Fort Myers that I go to almost every day. Sometimes I get the crazy idea of fighting in the senior division. I just turned 60!

Sue TL Fox:  What advice would you tell female boxers if they decide to step into the ring and compete in the amateurs and pros?

Christine:   My advice would be to go the gym, work hard, and train hard. When the time comes to step in the ring is when you will decide if you want to continue in the sport. As fighters know, people want to say they are a fighter, but only few can be fighters! It takes a certain person to get into the ring and fight.

I would like to thank you for this great one on one, it has been wonderful to catch up with you after so many years ago of covering you on WBAN.  As I have said for many years now, "Pioneer/Trailblazer boxers are never forgotten!"

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