Mia St. John

Mia Rosales St. John (born June 24, 1967) is a Mexican-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
Statistics
Real nameMia Rosales
Nickname(s)The Knockout
Weight(s)Welterweight
Light welterweight
Lightweight
Super featherweight
Featherweight
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach66 12 in (169 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1967-06-24) June 24, 1967
San Francisco, California
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights65
Wins49
Wins by KO19
Losses14
Draws2
No contests0

Early life

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 Kristoff St. John, but they later divorced. They had two children, son Julian (1989–2014) and daughter Paris.

Professional boxing career

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 García

St. John turned to trainers Eduardo and Roberto García 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

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

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.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
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, Baden-Württemberg, 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

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

  1. "Ratings". Archived from the original on 2013-01-04. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  2. "Women's Boxing Star Mia St. John To Be Honored In Mexico". saddoboxing.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  3. "Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair This Friday in Los Angeles - Boxing News - Doghouse Boxing". doghouseboxing.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  4. "Q&A Sessions: Mia St. John". nochelatina.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  5. "The Koncrete Jungle – Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair". thekoncretejungle.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  6. "The Show Must Go On : Tragically for Boxer Mia St. John, Life Sometimes Does Imitate Art". latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  7. "Boxing Manager Lovett Dies". latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  8. "Women's Boxing: Mia St. John Biography". wban.org. Archived from the original on 2010-03-29. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  9. "Mia St John Goes To Washington On Behalf Of Mental Health | BoxingInsider.com". boxinginsider.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  10. "Former Mia St. John Trainer is Not A Fan of Women's Boxing". aolnews.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  11. "Playmate-Boxer Mia St. John Want's [sic] Christy Martin". esnewsreporting.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  12. "TSW: Mia St. John". angelfire.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  13. "Christy Martin, Mia St. John Trade Words at Presser - Boxing News". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  14. "KNOCKOUT MIA ST. JOHN ROCK BIG APPLE COMIC-CON". wizardworld.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  15. "Boxing championship raises funds for the Kern County Cancer fund - 23ABC News". turnto23.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  16. Pugmire, Lance. "Former boxer Mia St. John admits using PEDs in wake of Alvarez-Golovkin controversy - Los Angeles Times". latimes.com. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
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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