WBC female super welterweight champion Mia St. John is back in action to defend her title for the first time against Seattle contender Molly McConnell on Saturday, November 10th in the 10 round main event of the Fight For Life charity show in Bakersfield, California. The four bout card, which is presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, will raise funds with 100% of the proceeds staying within the Bakersfield community to benefit families battling cancer. The major beneficiary will be the Kern County Community Cancer Fund which provides funds for families in Bakersfield who need help with covering their insurance premiums, families without insurance, or just to provide gas money so families can get to their treatments.
One of female fighting’s true icons, Mia “The Knockout” St. John (47-11-2, 18 KOs) has paved the way for countless young women to pursue their dreams in the ring, but at 45, she’s still going strong. A pro since 1997 who has fought on some of the biggest cards in the modern era, the California native has fought the best of the best, including Holly Holm, Jessica Rakoczy, and Jelena Mrdjenovich. But St. John’s career would not be complete until she avenged her 2002 loss to Christy Martin, and on August 14 she did just that, taking a hard-fought 10 round decision over “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” that also earned her the WBC world championship she will defend on November 10. “I am excited to defend my new WBC World Title for the first time,” said St John. “This belt belongs to me and no one will take if from me!”
With eight years of experience in the pro game and battles against several high-profile fighters, Washington’s Molly McConnell (12-2, 5 KOs) has paid her dues on her way up the ranks, and in 2011, she finally achieved her dream of becoming a world champion when she defeated Kira Watkins for the GBU and WIBF titles at junior welterweight. Now moving up to 154 pounds after an impressive win over Tammy Franks at welterweight, the 40-year old McConnell’s goal now is to shock the world by beating St. John and becoming a two-division titlist. “I’ve been looking forward to a fight like this my whole career and I’m really excited to be fighting Mia for her WBC Belt,” stated McConnell. “Mia has been in with some of the best and is very experienced, so I can’t wait to get in the ring with her. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
In the other pro boxing bout, it will be heavyweight action as the big boys mix it up with Palmdale’s 4-3 Giovanni Sarran faces Perri’s 4-4 Javier Diaz.
Tickets and additional information for the November 10th Fight For Life show can be found at www.fightforlifeevent.org.