For champion boxer Sindy Amador (12-1, 1 KO), what started as a way to get in shape and learn a few self-defense tricks, turned into a life long passion for the sweet science that has helped her become one of the most feared female light flyweights in the world.
“I had no idea that I was going to develop an obsession for boxing,” said Amador, who fights Anahi Torres (12-10, 2 KOs) in the 8-round co-main event from Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” fight card this Friday. “All I wanted to do was lose some weight, get fit, and learn how to defend myself. Next thing I know, I’m in the gym everyday and thinking about going professional.”
That was fifteen years ago, when Amador, sixteen at the time, fell in love with the sport. She started her amateur career at twenty-one and didn’t turn professional until 26, when she earned a 4-round unanimous decision route over Blanca Raymundo.
“We were both making our pro debuts that night,” said Amador, who is the current IFBA light flyweight champion, but will not be defending her crown against Torres. “I was nervous and just happy to get a win.”
It would take Amador, based out of Riverside, Calif., nearly three years to get her first crack at a world title. Last July, she faced the tough as nails Jolene Blackshear for an interim world title, a fight promoted by Thompson Boxing, and was dealt her first defeat.
“That loss was terrible for me,” Amador said. “Ever since I was sixteen I dreamt of becoming a world champion and it was within my reach and I couldn’t close the deal.”
Redemption, however, was only three months away. She won her current world championship against Amaris Quintana in October, and made a successful defense over Maria Suarez in Thompson Boxing’s 14th Year Anniversary event in May.
“You have to fight everyday for everything that you have,” Amador said. “The sport has taught me a lot about life and not being complacent. You have to get better, adjust, and always improve yourself no matter what profession you are in.”
On Friday, Amador will find herself in another tough test against Torres. While the fight, which takes place from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif., doesn’t have world title ramifications, is still one she takes as seriously as any other.
“I don’t take anyone lightly and I never underestimate my opponents,” said Amador, who trains out of the Capital Punishment Gym in Riverside. “Torres is a very experienced boxer, a durable fighter that comes forward and attacks. We match up well because I have an explosive style. Some say I’m a brawler that loves to let the punches fly. I do fight aggressively, but I can also slow it down and box if I have to. I feel fast, strong, and ready to fight.”
