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The final 12 months and a half of undisputed junior light-weight champion Alycia Baumgardner’s life will be greatest described as being full of dysfunction, disarray and disruption, and she will’t assist however get emotional when discussing the main points of it.
Baumgardner examined optimistic for a performance-enhancing drug following her unanimous determination win towards Christina Linardatou in July 2023. After being suspended and positioned on probation, a prolonged investigation indicated she didn’t deliberately use banned substances and the ruling was overturned.
Through the PED ordeal, Baumgardner’s father, Mario Guzman, who launched her to boxing when she was eight, died at age 56. Moreover, Baumgardner needed to cope with a stalker who has since been sentenced.
As she heads into the ultimate battle of her Matchroom Boxing deal, the 30-year-old Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) is able to flip the web page on her life and profession by getting again into the ring Friday towards necessary challenger Delfine Persoon (49-3, 19 KOs). The all-female International Fight Collective card will stream without spending a dime on Brinx.TV and Fubo Sports activities and can happen at Lux Studios in Atlanta.
“I’ve the chance to return out with a fantastic victory towards a fantastic opponent and make a press release and present the world why I can overcome,” Baumgardner instructed BoxingScene in an interview whereas holding again tears. “I’ve all the time been the underdog given the most important challenges. I am completely satisfied to be right here and to simply be on this place as we speak and inform individuals, ‘I made it via.’”
Baumgardner needed to battle tooth and nail in an try to save lots of her repute after testing optimistic for mesterolone and androsterone.
“I am completely satisfied that the sanctioning our bodies and fee have been in a position to take a look at this totally, as a result of not all people is dishonest,” stated Baumgardner. “I did not must cheat to make it in life. I’ve all the time advocated for a clear sport and requested to be drug-tested.
“I used to be already judged, with the best way my physique is already arrange, being a pure athlete with a pure construct. I used to be already checked out as if I used to be already on PEDs. And I’m additionally beating these ladies on the highest ranges. It felt like I already had a goal on my again. I needed to maintain proving myself. When the adversity got here with the PED check, I once more overcame and showcased that I’ve all the time been a clear athlete.
“I have been capable of maintain my religion and imagine in who I used to be and who I’m as an individual. God blesses those that are sincere and perceive the task. My calling is far greater than boxing. Boxing is just not my end-all be-all. It is one thing I like to do, however it’s very difficult. Boxing has stored my thoughts sharp and targeted.
“I am in a recent new pores and skin. I’ve executed quite a lot of internal reflection. I’m completely satisfied. I’m blessed. I’m completely satisfied to battle towards a fantastic opponent in Delfine.”
Persoon, a 39-year-old former two-time light-weight titleholder from Belgium, will debut in america. Persoon is greatest identified for her two fights and losses to Katie Taylor. In 2019, Persoon gave Taylor a troublesome tussle and suffered a razor-thin majority determination loss. The 2020 rematch was additionally shut however resulted in a unanimous determination win for Taylor.
“She’s a fantastic opponent and veteran within the sport,” stated Baumgardner. “Everyone seems to be taking a look at this battle and saying, ‘Who’s Alycia Baumgardner?’ We have been at this stage earlier than. It is one other battle to both get behind me or simply maintain speaking about me.”
Baumgardner has boxed superbly the earlier two occasions she has been summoned for a showcase alternative. In 2021, she loved her breakthrough second by knocking out Terri Harper in 4 rounds for a light-weight title after which unified the division in 2022 with a cut up determination win towards Mikaela Mayer.
“These wins modified my life as a result of it confirmed diligence, self-discipline and dedication to my work,” stated Baumgardner. “It’ll be a fantastic battle towards Delfine. I can not wait to see what the longer term holds. Loads of nice issues are occurring amid what appears to be chaos. I can not await individuals to see how a lot I’ve improved throughout this layoff. This isn’t only for me. That is for my dad. A win can be wonderful for my household.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports activities journalist, author and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports activities, USA At the moment, The Guardian, Newsweek, Males’s Well being, NFL.com, Los Angeles Occasions, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Journal and extra. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and the MMA Journalists Affiliation. He will be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, via e mail at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or by way of www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
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