Super featherweight Jennifer "The
Bolivian Queen" Salinas, born on June 30, 1982, in Annandale,
Virginia, to an American mother and Bolivian father. She
is a multi-world champion holding the WBF and UBF Super
Featherweight world titles, with a boxing record of 20-4-0
(5KO). Salinas was raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, until
the age of 16, and is fluent in both Spanish and English.
Salinas told WBAN, "I consider
myself a survivor in every sense of the word. I’ve experienced
physical and sexual abuse ever since I can remember from family
members and just men in general. I grew up a mad child,
lying, stealing and fighting through out my teen years----never
really understanding why I behaved that way."
"I began boxing at the age of 19, after attempting suicide and
dropping out of school. My amateur career was short,
but I’m a proud winner of Michigan golden gloves 2001."
Salinas was married for 15 years to a Dominican man, and they
had three children together and she raised her husband's oldest
son as her own.
In 2016, she divorced and since
that time, her life has been a roller coaster to say the least.
Salinas' boxing career has been on hold since June 3, 2017 when
she defeated Marquita Lee in a six-round bout winning by a
unanimous decision at the Foxwoods Resort, in Mashantucket,
Connecticut.
Salinas told WBAN, "My boxing
career was exciting, and I say 'was' since I haven’t fought in a
few years. I know I have a lot left in me, that’s why I’m
considering getting back in the ring sometime this summer."
Salinas reflects about what boxing has done for her. She
said that the sport has taken her around the world.
She said, "I fought Jacky Nava back in 2010 in Mexico for the
WBC World title. I won the WBF world title back in 2013 in
Bolivia. Had a win in Bermuda and I beat Melissa St. Vil for the
UBF world title in 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. I traveled to
Paris to fight Maiva Hamadouche for the IBF world title in 2017.
It’s been a ride for sure."
Salinas said that aside from all
the traveling, it’s landed her on many TV shows and a few offers
in that field. she said that she went for it and was
definitely on another wave, meaning that she completely put
boxing at a side to focused on her new adventure."
"And here I am, still wanting more of the sport at age 37!" said
Salinas.
Salinas continues to train and she is currently living in
Virginia with her family.
"I’m a stay-at-home mom and a blogger on social media platforms.
I’m publishing a book about my life this summer and have some
projects I would like to bring to life, but boxing will always
live in me", she added.
WBAN will be on the "lookout" for that book and am sure it will
be extremely interesting reading about Salinas' life and all of
the adventures she has experienced throughout her life.