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Mia St. John

Mia Rosales St. John (born June 24, 1967) is an American professional boxer and former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion in the super welterweight division.[1] She is also the IBA and IFBA lightweight champion.[2] She is also a model, businesswoman, and taekwondo champion.[3]

Mia St. John
Mia St. John in 2005
Born
Mia Rosales

(1967-06-24) June 24, 1967 (age 57)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Other namesThe Knockout
Statistics
Weight(s)Welterweight
Light welterweight
Lightweight
Super featherweight
Featherweight
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach66+1⁄2 in (169 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights65
Wins49
Wins by KO19
Losses14
Draws2
No contests0

Early life

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St. John, a Mexican-American with family roots in Zacatecas, Mexico, was born in San Francisco, California. She attended California State University, Northridge, earning a degree in psychology. While a student, she compiled a taekwondo record of 27–1, was awarded a black belt, and worked as a model to fund her education.[4]

She married actor Kristoff St. John. They had two children, son Julian (1989–2014) and daughter Paris. The marriage ended in divorce.

Professional boxing career

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At the age of 29, St. John decided to become a professional boxer. In her first bout on February 14, 1997, she knocked out Angelica Villain in 54 seconds of the first round, earning her the nickname "The Knockout."[5]

St. John, whose first manager was Art Lovett,[6] in partnership with his brother Stewart Lovett,[7] would eventually sign a contract with Don King and then Top Rank Boxing, and was featured on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya bouts. She had 23 fights and won 22 with one draw, 3 KOs and 9 TKOs. All fights were four-rounders and most were televised gaining her national attention. St. John was crowned the "Queen of the Four-Rounders", a title she hated. St. John's opponents were selected by Top Rank without her input.[8]

After her twentieth bout, St. John was injured in a skiing accident that threatened possible amputation of one of her legs. She underwent two operations to remove a blood clot.[9]

In November 1999, St. John appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine and in an 11-page pictorial. She wanted to show that she was a feminine woman as well as an athlete. Critical of her career, the boxing press added the term "Busty Bunny Boxer" in describing St. John.[10]

St. John did not renew her contract with Top Rank in 2001, becoming her own manager and promoter. On November 9, 2001, she lost her first fight to Rolanda Andrews with a TKO in the second round, St. John's first contest after parting with Top Rank.[11]

Eduardo and Roberto Garcia

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St. John turned to trainers Eduardo and Roberto Garcia to learn proper punching techniques, footwork, and defensive strategies. St. John won her next four bouts, one by TKO.[12]

On December 6, 2002, St. John fought top boxer Christy Martin. Martin had a record of 44 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. The press laughed at the match-up and predicted St. John would be knocked out early in the bout. St. John, coming up two weight classes, lost the bout but fought toe-to-toe with Martin all ten rounds for a credible performance.[13]

WBC, IFBA and IBA lightweight championships

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On June 12, 2005, and after 47 professional bouts and 9 years, St. John was given a title bout with Liz Drew. St. John won by unanimous decision, earning the International Female Boxers Association lightweight world title. She followed this win with a unanimous decision over Donna Biggers in August, winning the IBA continental lightweight title.[14]

St. John has fought all over the world, including Beijing, China, where she won her IBA Championship. After accumulating an unheard of boxing record of nearly 60 pro fights, on June 14, 2008, St. John fulfilled her dream of fighting in her mother's home country of Mexico. She fought one of the toughest fights of her career and became the WBC international boxing champion of the world at the age of 40.

In November 2008, she was awarded by the Governor of Zacatecas, Mexico, an outstanding achievement award for her role in sports and humanitarianism. The WBC also presented her with the 2008 "WBC Goodwill Ambassador" Award.

In November 2010, Rep. Grace Napolitano joined St. John and LA Laker Ron Artest for an official mental health and suicide prevention training at Napolitano's district office in Santa Fe Springs. Artest and St. John have joined Napolitano to promote the Mental Health in Schools Act, legislation she authored which would increase federal funding for mental health therapists in schools.

She also spoke at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, where President Barack Obama made a speech at the CHCI's annual Gala.

As well as Congress, St. John speaks in schools and juvenile halls on the importance of education and overcoming hardship. She speaks of her own battles with mental illness, addiction, poverty and overcoming it all, to become a three time international boxing champion.

On August 14, 2012, St. John fought Christy Martin in a long-awaited rematch. Her dream of sixteen years finally materialized and at the age of 45, she captured the WBC super welter weight championship of the world.

On November 10, 2012, St. John was defeated by Tiffany Junot in Bakersfield, California, losing her WBC Female Super Welterweight Championship in a unanimous decision.[15]

On April 14, 2016, St. John had her last boxing bout in New Zealand on the Kali Reis vs. Maricela Cornejo undercard as the curtain call. This was her retirement bout, winning by TKO in the 4th round.

In August 2018, St. John admitted to the use of prohibited substances including steroids and masking agents in preparation for around 20 bouts, stating that "everyone does it and everyone in boxing knows it."[16]

MMA career

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On January 26, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii, St. John's fighting career took yet another turn. "Returning to her roots" in the martial arts, she competed in her first mixed martial arts (MMA) contest and, with a combination of kicks and punches, defeated her opponent Rhonda Gallegos with a first-round knockout.[citation needed]

Professional boxing record

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65 fights 49 wins 14 losses
By knockout 19 5
By decision 30 9
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
65 Win 49–14–2   Lisa Lewis TKO 4, 1:37 Apr 16, 2016   The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
64 Win 48–14–2   Tammy Franks UD 4, 2:00 Oct 23, 2015   Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
63 Loss 47–14–2   Tori Nelson TKO 2, 0:42 May 17, 2014   Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, Virginia, USA Women's International Boxing Association World welterweight title
62 Loss 47–13–2   Cecilia Brækhus TKO 3, 1:38 Apr 13, 2013  Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark WBA World female welterweight title WBO World female welterweight title WBC World female welterweight title
61 Loss 47–12–2   Tiffany Junot UD 10, 2:00 Nov 10, 2012   Home Base Building, Bakersfield, California, USA WBC World female super welterweight title
60 Win 47–11–2   Christy Martin UD 10, 2:00 Aug 14, 2012   Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California, USA vacant WBC World female super welterweight title
59 Win 46–11–2   Tammy Franks UD 6, 2:00 Oct 16, 2010   Santa Ana Star Casino, Bernalillo, New Mexico, USA
58 Loss 45–11–2   Rola El-Halabi TKO 5, 0:43 Mar 20, 2010   Kuhberg Halle, Ulm, Germany Women's International Boxing Association World lightweight title Women's International Boxing Federation World lightweight title
57 Loss 45–10–2   Brooke Dierdorff UD 8, 2:00 Apr 4, 2009   Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico WBC International female lightweight title
56 Win 45–9–2   Darys Esther Pardo UD 8, 2:00 Dec 20, 2008   Parque Andrés Quintana Roo, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico WBC International female lightweight title
55 Win 44–9–2   Amy Yuratovac MD 8, 2:00 Jun 14, 2008   Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico vacant WBC International female welterweight title
54 Loss 43–9–2  Brooke Dierdorff SD 6, 2:00 Apr 20, 2007   Star Plaza Theater, Merrillville, Indiana, USA
53 Loss 43–8–2   Jaime Clampitt UD 10, 2:00 Feb 9, 2007   Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA vacant International Women's Boxing Federation World lightweight title
52 Loss 43–7–2   Jelena Mrdjenovich UD 10, 2:00 Jun 23, 2006   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada vacant Women's International Boxing Federation World lightweight title
51 Win 43–6–2   Shelby Walker TKO 3 Apr 1, 2006   Palo Duro Creek Country Club, Nogales, Arizona, USA
50 Loss 42–6–2   Holly Holm UD 10, 2:00 Dec 8, 2005   Isleta Casino & Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA International Boxing Association female super lightweight title
49 Win 42–5–2   Donna Biggers UD 10, 2:00 Aug 20, 2005   Capital Gym, Beijing, China International Female Boxers Association World lightweight title
48 Win 41–5–2   Liz Drew UD 10, 2:00 Jun 12, 2005   Ohkay Casino, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, USA vacant International Female Boxers Association World lightweight title
47 Loss 40–5–2   Jessica Rakoczy TKO 2, 2:00 Feb 10, 2005   Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, USA
46 Win 40–4–2   Joy Irvin TKO 2, 1:14 Feb 3, 2005   HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, USA
45 Win 39–4–2   Janae Archuleta TKO 1, 1:46 Dec 18, 2004   Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
44 Win 38–4–2   Lana Alexander UD 4, 2:00 Nov 6, 2004   Grand Casino Coushatta, Kinder, Louisiana, USA
43 Win 37–4–2   Janae Archuleta UD 4, 2:00 Oct 23, 2004   Activity Center, Maywood, California, USA
42 Win 36–4–2   Janae Archuleta UD 4, 2:00 Oct 15, 2004   Casino Del Sol, Tucson, Arizona, USA
41 Win 35–4–2   Ragan Pudwill UD 4, 2:00 Aug 13, 2004   Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis, South Dakota, USA
40 Win 34–4–2   Talia Smith UD 4, 2:00 Jul 29, 2004   Oakland Arena, Oakland, California, USA
39 Win 33–4–2   Melissa Yanas TKO 3, 0:34 Jul 23, 2004   Club Avalon, Denver, Colorado, USA
38 Win 32–4–2   Lana Alexander TKO 4, 1:57 May 8, 2004   Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA
37 Loss 31–4–2   Jessica Rakoczy UD 8, 2:00 Apr 15, 2004   Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, USA
36 Win 31–3–2   Ragan Pudwill UD 4, 2:00 Feb 7, 2004   Grand Casino Coushatta, Kinder, Louisiana, USA
35 Win 30–3–2   Franchesca Alcanter UD 4, 2:00 Jan 24, 2004   Bank of America Center, Boise, Idaho, USA
34 Win 29–3–2   Jessica Mohs UD 4, 2:00 Oct 10, 2003   Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona, USA
33 Draw 28–3–2   Olivia Gerula PTS 6, 2:00 Sep 19, 2003   4 Bears Casino & Lodge, New Town, North Dakota, USA
32 Win 28–3–1   Jessica Mohs UD 4, 2:00 Jul 11, 2003   City Center Pavilion, Reno, Nevada, USA
31 Loss 27–3–1   Jenifer Alcorn UD 8, 2:00 Apr 19, 2003   Selland Arena, Fresno, California, USA
30 Win 27–2–1   Jessica Mohs UD 6, 2:00 Mar 15, 2003   Club Life, Dallas, Texas, USA
29 Loss 26–2–1   Christy Martin UD 10, 2:00 Dec 6, 2002   Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
28 Win 26–1–1   Elisha Olivas TKO 3, 1:52 Aug 10, 2002   Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, USA
27 Win 25–1–1   Kristy Follmar MD 4, 2:00 May 18, 2002   Silver Star Casino, Choctaw, Mississippi, USA
26 Win 24–1–1   Janae Archuleta MD 4, 2:00 Apr 7, 2002   Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, USA
25 Win 23–1–1   Gina Greenwald UD 4, 2:00 Jan 18, 2002   Sports Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
24 Loss 22–1–1   Rolanda Andrews TKO 2, 1:47 Nov 8, 2001   Sunset Station, San Antonio, Texas, USA
23 Draw 22–0–1   Imelda Arias MD 4, 2:00 Jul 28, 2001   Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
22 Win 22–0   Linda Tenberg UD 4, 2:00 May 13, 2001   The Hangar, West Wendover, Utah, USA
21 Win 21–0   Amy Yerkes TKO 3, 1:49 Mar 25, 2001   Greyhound Park, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
20 Win 20–0   Sherri Thompson TKO 3, 1:55 Jan 20, 2001  MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
19 Win 19–0   Amy Yerkes TKO 4, 1:18 Dec 3, 2000   Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
18 Win 18–0   Linda Robinson UD 4, 2:00 Jun 17, 2000   Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
17 Win 17–0   Franchesca Alcanter UD 4, 2:00 May 19, 2000   Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, USA
16 Win 16–0   Kristin Allen MD 4, 2:00 Feb 26, 2000   Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
15 Win 15–0   Kelly Whaley UD 4, 2:00 Jan 22, 2000   Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California, USA
14 Win 14–0   Sharon Sirls TKO 1 Dec 11, 1999   Dixie Junior College, Saint George, Utah, USA
13 Win 13–0   Kelley Downey TKO 4, 1:40 Sep 18, 1999  Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
12 Win 12–0   Maryanne Haik UD 4, 2:00 Jun 26, 1999   Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
11 Win 11–0   Chris Sepulvado TKO 1, 1:30 May 8, 1999   Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
10 Win 10–0   Amanda Skelton UD 4, 2:00 Feb 13, 1999   Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
9 Win 9–0   Brandy Mae Vaughn KO 2 Dec 12, 1998   Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA
8 Win 8–0   Brenda Felter SD 4, 2:00 Sep 19, 1998   Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
7 Win 7–0   Brenda Felter UD 4, 2:00 Aug 15, 1998   Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA
6 Win 6–0   Chris Sepulvado KO 2 May 30, 1998   Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA
5 Win 5–0   Dolores Lira UD 4, 2:00 Nov 28, 1999   Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, USA
4 Win 4–0   Dawn Wimer TKO 1 Aug 5, 1997   Nashville, Tennessee, USA
3 Win 3–0   Contina Frederick TKO 3 Jun 21, 1997   Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, USA
2 Win 2–0   Dawn Graham TKO 1, 1:32 Apr 19, 1997   Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
1 Win 1–0   Angelica Villian KO 1 Feb 14, 1997   Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
1 match 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
By submission 0 0
By decision 0 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Rhonda Gallegos KO (punches) X-1 Champions January 26, 2008 1 0:44 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

References

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  1. ^ "Ratings". Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  2. ^ "Women's Boxing Star Mia St. John To Be Honored In Mexico". saddoboxing.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  3. ^ "Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair This Friday in Los Angeles – Boxing News – Doghouse Boxing". doghouseboxing.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  4. ^ "Q&A Sessions: Mia St. John". nochelatina.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  5. ^ "The Koncrete Jungle – Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair". thekoncretejungle.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  6. ^ "The Show Must Go On : Tragically for Boxer Mia St. John, Life Sometimes Does Imitate Art". Los Angeles Times. June 21, 1997. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  7. ^ "Boxing Manager Lovett Dies". Los Angeles Times. June 20, 1997. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  8. ^ "Women's Boxing: Mia St. John Biography". wban.org. Archived from the original on March 29, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  9. ^ "Mia St John Goes To Washington On Behalf Of Mental Health | BoxingInsider.com". boxinginsider.com. February 17, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  10. ^ "Former Mia St. John Trainer is Not A Fan of Women's Boxing". aolnews.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  11. ^ "Playmate-Boxer Mia St. John Want's [sic] Christy Martin". esnewsreporting.com. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  12. ^ "TSW: Mia St. John". Angelfire. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  13. ^ "Christy Martin, Mia St. John Trade Words at Presser – Boxing News". boxingscene.com. June 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  14. ^ "KNOCKOUT MIA ST. JOHN ROCK BIG APPLE COMIC-CON". wizardworld.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  15. ^ "Boxing championship raises funds for the Kern County Cancer fund – 23ABC News". turnto23.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  16. ^ Pugmire, Lance (August 12, 2018). "Former boxer Mia St. John admits using PEDs in wake of Alvarez-Golovkin controversy – Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mia St. John.
Sporting positions
Major world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Christy Martin 		WBC female light-middleweight champion
August 14, 2012 – November 10, 2012 		Succeeded by
Tiffany Junot
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