Quebecer Tammara Thibeault hit hard for her professional debut. After a major disappointment at the Paris Olympics, she made history by becoming the first boxer to compete in three-minute rounds to launch her career.
• Also read: “I am far from perfect” – Tammara Thibeault
• Also read: Olympic Games: in tears after losing in her first fight, Quebec boxer Tammara Thibeault receives a hug from her rival in the middle of an interview
• Also read: Tammara Thibeault wins in her professional debut
Normally, women are in the ring for two minutes before getting a break in the pros. But for the first in middleweight (160 lb), Thibeault (1-0) and the Canadian Natasha Spence (8-7-2, 6 KOs) agreed to imitate the men, Friday, at the Caribe Royale hotel in Orlando.
“The important thing is that we have a choice. We are there. I was happy to do it and make history,” said in an interview with Journal Thibeault, Monday, returning to his family in Shawinigan.
“It takes courage, but it’s not just me who did this. My opponent also decided to do it. It’s bigger than us,” added the athlete, who will turn 28 on December 27.
Tammara Thibeault (in white) easily defeated Natasha Spence on Friday in Orlando.
Photo provided by MVP, Joseph Correa
Praised by Jake Paul
A few hours before climbing into the arena, Thibeault confirmed that she had reached an agreement with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), of which influencer and boxer Jake Paul is one of the co-founders.
Moreover, Mike Tyson’s killer last month had good words for the native of Saint-Georges, in Beauce. After lifting the unanimous decision winner’s arm in the middle of the ring, Paul mentioned that Thibeault had been “incredible” and that she was “the future” of women’s boxing.
“It’s an honor. […] It gives motivation and it’s a little treat. It proves that I’m on the right track, that I’m doing the right things and I want to continue. For me, it is priceless to inspire people and those who are coming,” said the left-hander, having finally turned the page following her Olympic Games last summer.
Favorite in Paris, being undefeated since her quarter-final at the Tokyo Games, Thibeault was surprised in her first fight in the French capital.
Pioneers
Among the spectators in Florida were Amanda Serrano, who is already a world champion in seven categories, as well as Christy Martin, a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame.
“Amanda is a super inspiring woman, she pushes for parity. She is a boxer who has done a lot, who has a lot of experience and baggage. She accepts challenges, big fights. It’s thanks to women like them that I can do what I do today,” admitted Thibeault, who believes that “it’s time for women to earn a little more money.”
It’s obviously not just the money that convinced her to sign with MVP. Without wanting to reveal the details of his pact, Thibeault explained that the group’s vision of women’s boxing has something to do with it.
“They want to put women forward. I think it will make us a good team in the coming years,” said the woman who dreams of a world belt.
Photo provided by MVP, Joseph Correa
