2012 Olympic bronze medalist and 2021 Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Marlen Esparza dethroned Ibeth Zamora for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight title on June 19th.
In the beginning of the 10-round fight, Zamora landed some sharp punches, including an overhead right hook knocking Esparza to the ground.
The PHS graduate bounced back in the last three rounds, landing some clean punches, to earn a unanimous decision by judges to snag the green belt from the title champ.
Esparza graduated from Pasadena High School in 2007, where she ran cross-country, participated in swimming and competed in debate.
As a high school junior, Esparza won the bronze medal in the 2006 Women’s World Boxing Championship.
The 5’3” 113 lbs. boxer has a professional record of 10-1.
Photo Credit: Erik Paul Pictures