Beatriz Ferreira’s Remarkable Journey: From Amateur Greatness to Professional World Champion
Brazilian boxer Beatriz Ferreira has always been a force to be reckoned with, and her recent victory over Argentina’s Yanina Lescano on Saturday is just the latest in a long line of her impressive achievements. The 31-year-old’s victory not only secured her the vacant IBF lightweight title, but it also marks the first step in her quest to cement her legacy as a true boxing legend.
Ferreira’s amateur career was nothing short of outstanding, as she spent years traveling the world and facing off against the very best in the sport. Her determination and skill were on full display, as she medalled at every major international event and won the world championships in 2019 and 2023. However, the one elusive title that had evaded her grasp was the Olympic gold medal, which she narrowly missed out on when she was beaten by Ireland’s Kellie Harrington in the final of the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Undeterred, Ferreira turned professional just 18 months ago, and her transition to the professional ranks has been nothing short of seamless. In her fifth professional fight, she faced off against the brave and resilient Lescano, but Ferreira’s relentless aggression and skill ultimately proved too much for the Argentinean. The fight was stopped in the sixth round due to an accidental clash of heads that left Lescano with a nasty gash over her eye, but Ferreira’s victory was never in doubt.
“It’s incredible. It’s extraordinary. I’m so happy. Mission accomplished,” Ferreira said after the fight. “Now, it’s time to focus on the next fights.”
With the IBF lightweight title now firmly in her possession, Ferreira will return home to Brazil and turn her attention back to the amateur game, joining up with the Brazilian Olympic team and setting her sights on the 2024 Games in Paris. Winning a professional world title and an Olympic gold medal within the space of four months would be an incredible achievement, and the happy-go-lucky Ferreira is determined to make history this summer.
“My life is crazy,” she said. “I dance to the music and the tune that’s playing. I had visualized being a world champion but could never imagine it would happen so soon. But we’ve been training really hard and been really focused. I promise you that I am going to take the world by surprise.
“I love making history and I’ve got my eye on that gold medal. I think I’ll get even better between now in Paris, and I guarantee you I’ll get the gold medal this time.”
With her combination of skill, determination, and unwavering confidence, it would be foolish to bet against Beatriz Ferreira achieving her ambitious goals. The boxing world should be on notice, as this Brazilian dynamo is just getting started.
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