(APR 8)
WBAN got an opportunity to
interview Mary Jo Sanders this week by phone about her upcoming fight with
Layla McCarter and about her boxing career. Sanders, 30, trains at the KO
World Class Boxing Gym in Macomb, Michigan, and since turning pro in
February 2003, has already accumulated a 7-0-0 (2KO) record. This coming
April 16th, Sanders steps it up when she takes on the much more
experience world champion, Layla McCarter in a six-round bout in Cleveland,
Ohio, on a Telefutura card.
Prior to turning pro in boxing, Sanders competed in bodybuilding,
toughwomen, and fought in the amateurs in boxing. In 1998, Sanders won 1st
place in the heavyweight division of the “Lady Of Iron Bodybuilding
competition; and first place in the heavyweight division at the “Miss
Natural Michigan Bodybuilding Competition. She also took first place three
times in 1998, 1999, and 2000 in the Original Toughman/Toughwomen
Competition, and 1st place in the World Toughwomen competition in 2000 (open
weight class). Sanders also took 1st place in the year 2002 as a
junior welterweight in the Detroit Golden Gloves Competition.
Sue TL Fox: What
other sports did you participate in, even going back to when you were in
school?
Sanders:
Basketball in high school
(Country Day State Champions 1990) <point guard>
Track
& Field: Lettered as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior.
Sue TL Fox: What made you decide to get into boxing?
Sanders:
Boxing, more so got into me... I was introduced to it through
a friend of mine and loved the cardiovascular stamina and muscle toning that
I got out of it. It was really just a fun and different kind of workout to
me. I just happened to be half way decent at it. Before I knew it I was
competing.
Sue TL Fox:
Did you box as an amateur before turning pro?
Sanders:
Yes. I had 5 amateur fights.
Sue TL Fox: You are moving right up the latter when you take
on tough competitor Layla McCarter this coming April 16th…How are
you feeling about this fight and the fact that you are taking on a much-more
experienced boxer?
Sanders: I’m excited! This is the type of sport where you have to see
how well you fair against the more experienced. I work too hard not to see
what I can do. I have to constantly push myself. I have to fight up in
order to get better.
Sue TL Fox:
What do you know about McCarter? Have you ever seen her
fight?
Sanders:
I have seen Layla fight. She is extremely fluid in the ring
and uses it well. She is a good solid boxer. Great skills.
Sue TL Fox: Do you have any predictions for your upcoming fight?
Sanders:
I don't do predictions... but I will say that it should be
pretty electric. Our styles are completely different, which should make for
a great fight.
Sue TL Fox:
What are your long-range goals in the sport? And where do
you see yourself three years from now.
Sanders:
I just want to be the best at my craft. I want to keep
learning and getting better. I want to keep the legitimacy in the sport of
women's boxing. In three years I want to have a couple of championship
belts. I still want to be having fun and excited about what I do.
Sue TL Fox:
What advice would you tell give to new women boxers just
entering the sport?
Sanders:
It is a labor of love. You have To love it, or you
might as well look to do something else. Surround yourself with good
positive people who believe in you, and your dreams, as much as you do. |
