by Peeloshmee Deonarian
Sadly there are only a few pro women Muay Thai fighters in North America, so in this special segment of the "The Jump" we will highlight five amateur women fighters that we would like to see eventually make the transition from the amateur to the pro circuit. We are featuring women fighters who have at least 10 fights. If you would like to express your opinion on fighters you feel are ready for "The Jump" feel free to shoot us an e-mail to mailbag@MuayThaiAuthority.com.
Laurel Holloway (10-1)
Team: Sitan Gym - Astoria, New York, USA
Coach: Aziz Nabih
2010 WKA North American Champion, Virginia -132lbs
2010 WKA World Champion -132lbs
2011 IKF World Classic Champion -130lbs
After 11 fights, Laurel feels more comfortable with fight training, but would still like to have at least another 5-10 fights before she decides to make the jump to the pro ranks. “Each fight uncovers so many more aspects of things I need to work on and while I don't feel there HAS to be a certain number of fights acquired to go pro, I feel like I need to be at a certain level both technically and mentally before I can take that next step and while I don't know how long it will take to achieve, I know I haven't reached it yet.” Holloway hopes to avenge her only loss this year and to compete in the TBA Muay Thai Classic in order to add to her experience. She brings the fight to her opponents with her strong and aggressive style.
Jill Guido (7-4)
Team: Combat Fitness - Concord, California, USA
Coach: George Tsutsui
2009 USMF Flyweight National Champion
2009 WCSC Flyweight National Champion
2009 IFMA Bronze Medalist (Thailand), 51kg division
Although last scheduled to fight for Lion Fight Promotions, Jill Guido has been unable to compete during the past year due to multiple sustained injuries. Despite the setback, she hopes to return to fighting in the near future. Guido’s humility is amazing considering how talented she is; with great footwork and technique she has represented the USA well in the IFMA’s (Thailand) and the Sport Accord fights in Beijing. Asked about her plans for turning pro, she replied, “I don't believe that there's a set number of amateur fights a person should have when entering the pro-arena, however, the more experience in the ring the better! If I am blessed to turn pro, whomever I fight first will truly be an honor for me. The level of talent in the pro-world is ridiculous and to compete amongst the many talented women in it of itself is a WIN in my eyes!”
Ashley Kechego-Nichols (22-4)
Team: MAS Thai Boxing - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Coaches: Kru Chris Kew, Ajahn Yit Phady and Pat Cooligan
2008 CAMTAO Bantam-weight Champion
2008 IFMA Continental Bantam-weight Champion
2009 TBA-SA North American Champion
2010 CASK K1 Kickboxing Provincial 52kg Champion
2011 WMF Amateur Bantamweight World Champion
2011 WMF Pro-AM Bantamweight World Champion
2011 TBA-SA North American Bantamweight Champion
2011 WMF Continental Champion
With an impressive Muay Thai resume and record of 22-4, Ashley is definitely interested in turning pro. While finishing school, Ashley is working on her strength and conditioning and believes experience is a key component in effectively making the transition to the pro ranks. “I am lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of the well-known Friday Night Fights Muay Thai series; a great series promoted by Justin Blair in New York City. I have set goals for WKA and USMTA titles. I am hoping to work with promoter Christine Toledo in the near future as well. At this point, it is not about the money, it is about staying active and gaining experience and having commitments to compete in near-future amateur tournaments to gain that experience. Once the tournaments are completed, I look forward to becoming a professional.” Ashley is an exciting and technical fighter, knocking out her last opponent, a very tough Stacey Scappecia, at the FNF series via head kick.
Tecia Torres (13-4)
Team: Pablo Popovitch BJJ - Oakland Park, Florida, USA
Coaches: Frederico Moncaio and Bill Spicer
IKF 2010 Bantamweight International Rules Champion
IMTC 2010 Bantamweight Champion
IKF 2011 Atomweight Champion
Currently Tecia has 19 amateur fights, 17 Kickboxing/Thai and 2 MMA. Her background consists of 12 years of American Freestyle Karate, about 4 years of Thai/kickboxing, and 3 years of Jujitsu. Torres has definite plans to compete at the professional level in the future, but she is seeking more experience as an amateur mixed martial artist first. “In order to be a Pro in one area of fighting you must fight as a Pro in the others as well. I want to be fully equipped and knowledgeable before entering a ring as a Professional. With that said, if the right opportunity presents itself, I would take it. I wish to fight the best and challenge myself. Is there a magic number of amateur fights one should have before going pro? I believe it depends on the person and where their abilities are at. But I definitely suggest getting as much amateur experience as you can before making the leap onto the Professional level.” Torres has fought and won against professional fighter, Tiffany Connell, and recently competed on the Challenger 2-Jawbreaker Muay Thai Gala in Calgary, Canada, defeating Christina James by decision.
Sadly there are only a few pro women Muay Thai fighters in North America, so in this special segment of the "The Jump" we will highlight five amateur women fighters that we would like to see eventually make the transition from the amateur to the pro circuit. We are featuring women fighters who have at least 10 fights. If you would like to express your opinion on fighters you feel are ready for "The Jump" feel free to shoot us an e-mail to mailbag@MuayThaiAuthority.com.
Florina Petcu (12-2)
Team: Renzo Gracie Muay Thai - New York, New York, USA
Coach: Joe Sampieri
2007 WKA Novice North American Champion, Virginia
Team: Renzo Gracie Muay Thai - New York, New York, USA
Coach: Joe Sampieri
2007 WKA Novice North American Champion, Virginia
2007 Silver Medalist IFMA World Championship, Bangkok
2008 IKF World Champion, Florida Atom weight -50kg (belt)
2009 WKA US Champion, NYC
Florina Petcu came to Muay Thai with a background in dance and acting, but was quickly hooked on the competition that Muay Thai had to offer. Florina has fought and won against other notable amateur female fighters such as Miranda Cayabyab, Ashley Nichols, and Genesis Bravo. She is also 1-1 with her last opponent, Jill Guido, whom she fought on the Friday Night Fights All Female card in defense of her WKA title. Known for her excellent technique, most notably her brutal clinch work and powerful kicks, she is looking to make her return to the ring this year at the Take On Productions MSG card after taking time off to recover from an injury. Petcu’s thoughts on going pro are simple but powerful: “First learn to walk and then you can run.”
2009 WKA US Champion, NYC
Florina Petcu came to Muay Thai with a background in dance and acting, but was quickly hooked on the competition that Muay Thai had to offer. Florina has fought and won against other notable amateur female fighters such as Miranda Cayabyab, Ashley Nichols, and Genesis Bravo. She is also 1-1 with her last opponent, Jill Guido, whom she fought on the Friday Night Fights All Female card in defense of her WKA title. Known for her excellent technique, most notably her brutal clinch work and powerful kicks, she is looking to make her return to the ring this year at the Take On Productions MSG card after taking time off to recover from an injury. Petcu’s thoughts on going pro are simple but powerful: “First learn to walk and then you can run.”
Team: Sitan Gym - Astoria, New York, USA
Coach: Aziz Nabih
2010 WKA North American Champion, Virginia -132lbs
2010 WKA World Champion -132lbs
2011 IKF World Classic Champion -130lbs
After 11 fights, Laurel feels more comfortable with fight training, but would still like to have at least another 5-10 fights before she decides to make the jump to the pro ranks. “Each fight uncovers so many more aspects of things I need to work on and while I don't feel there HAS to be a certain number of fights acquired to go pro, I feel like I need to be at a certain level both technically and mentally before I can take that next step and while I don't know how long it will take to achieve, I know I haven't reached it yet.” Holloway hopes to avenge her only loss this year and to compete in the TBA Muay Thai Classic in order to add to her experience. She brings the fight to her opponents with her strong and aggressive style.
Team: Combat Fitness - Concord, California, USA
Coach: George Tsutsui
2009 USMF Flyweight National Champion
2009 WCSC Flyweight National Champion
2009 IFMA Bronze Medalist (Thailand), 51kg division
Although last scheduled to fight for Lion Fight Promotions, Jill Guido has been unable to compete during the past year due to multiple sustained injuries. Despite the setback, she hopes to return to fighting in the near future. Guido’s humility is amazing considering how talented she is; with great footwork and technique she has represented the USA well in the IFMA’s (Thailand) and the Sport Accord fights in Beijing. Asked about her plans for turning pro, she replied, “I don't believe that there's a set number of amateur fights a person should have when entering the pro-arena, however, the more experience in the ring the better! If I am blessed to turn pro, whomever I fight first will truly be an honor for me. The level of talent in the pro-world is ridiculous and to compete amongst the many talented women in it of itself is a WIN in my eyes!”
Team: MAS Thai Boxing - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Coaches: Kru Chris Kew, Ajahn Yit Phady and Pat Cooligan
2008 CAMTAO Bantam-weight Champion
2008 IFMA Continental Bantam-weight Champion
2009 TBA-SA North American Champion
2010 CASK K1 Kickboxing Provincial 52kg Champion
2011 WMF Amateur Bantamweight World Champion
2011 WMF Pro-AM Bantamweight World Champion
2011 TBA-SA North American Bantamweight Champion
2011 WMF Continental Champion
With an impressive Muay Thai resume and record of 22-4, Ashley is definitely interested in turning pro. While finishing school, Ashley is working on her strength and conditioning and believes experience is a key component in effectively making the transition to the pro ranks. “I am lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of the well-known Friday Night Fights Muay Thai series; a great series promoted by Justin Blair in New York City. I have set goals for WKA and USMTA titles. I am hoping to work with promoter Christine Toledo in the near future as well. At this point, it is not about the money, it is about staying active and gaining experience and having commitments to compete in near-future amateur tournaments to gain that experience. Once the tournaments are completed, I look forward to becoming a professional.” Ashley is an exciting and technical fighter, knocking out her last opponent, a very tough Stacey Scappecia, at the FNF series via head kick.
Team: Pablo Popovitch BJJ - Oakland Park, Florida, USA
Coaches: Frederico Moncaio and Bill Spicer
IKF 2010 Bantamweight International Rules Champion
IMTC 2010 Bantamweight Champion
IKF 2011 Atomweight Champion
Currently Tecia has 19 amateur fights, 17 Kickboxing/Thai and 2 MMA. Her background consists of 12 years of American Freestyle Karate, about 4 years of Thai/kickboxing, and 3 years of Jujitsu. Torres has definite plans to compete at the professional level in the future, but she is seeking more experience as an amateur mixed martial artist first. “In order to be a Pro in one area of fighting you must fight as a Pro in the others as well. I want to be fully equipped and knowledgeable before entering a ring as a Professional. With that said, if the right opportunity presents itself, I would take it. I wish to fight the best and challenge myself. Is there a magic number of amateur fights one should have before going pro? I believe it depends on the person and where their abilities are at. But I definitely suggest getting as much amateur experience as you can before making the leap onto the Professional level.” Torres has fought and won against professional fighter, Tiffany Connell, and recently competed on the Challenger 2-Jawbreaker Muay Thai Gala in Calgary, Canada, defeating Christina James by decision.
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