Lesbian boxer claims victory as new World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion

Like a story from a Hollywood movie, boxer Anne Marie Saccurato of White Plains, New York, defeated two-time world champion Jelena Mrdjenovich in Mrdjenovich's hometown of Edmonton, Canada in her first shot at the World Title.

With her partner, former US boxing Champion Angel Bovee, in her corner, Saccurato entered the ring in front of a crowd of over 4,000 spectators and fought a 10 round battle that resulted in a split decision which crowned her as the new World Boxing Council's (WBC) lightweight world champion.

This victory symbolizes the ultimate comeback for Saccurato, who has overcome tremendous odds just to be walking today. In 1995 she was a passenger in a devastating car wreck where the driver of the vehicle was killed and Ann-Marie suffered a punctured lung, broken pelvis, hip, 2 broken legs, a shattered arm, broken ribs, and severe nerve damage. She was not expected to live the night, let alone ever walk again. A determined athlete, she proved everyone wrong and immediately underwent an aggressive rehabilitation program - determined to play sports again.

In 1999 she entered her first boxing gym. After a two-year success in the amateur ranks, she made her pro boxing debut on May 24, 2002 at Wonderland Ballroom in Revere, Massachusetts. She weighed in at 147 lbs and won in a second-round TKO over Anne Marie Francey. She began working with legendary trainer Hector Roca, and together they have forged a successful career that has lead the former basketball and volleyball player to the top of the boxing podium.

After this World Title match, Saccurato told reporters "Jelena (Mrdjenovich) is a world champion boxer and I was very thankful for the opportunity to box on an all-female card that is donating money towards breast cancer research. Even though it was her hometown, I knew it was my time. I have trained hard for this fight, and I knew in my heart I would take home the WBC green belt."

Women's Boxing, which was first licensed in 1975, has made great strides to be recognized as a legitimate sport. USA Boxing didn't recognize female boxers until 1993, and only then after losing a landmark court case. Dallas Malloy, at 16 years old, became the first female to challenge USA Boxing's bylaw that did not allow women to compete, and she sued them in federal court for gender discrimination.

After the courts decision in Malloy's favor, USA Boxing's Board of Governors passed legislation to implement and support the concept of female boxing and the first amateur female bout held in the Bellingham, Washington in which Malloy herself was the champion. In 1996, the professional rankings were established and great female competitors have shown their determination to succeed both in and out of the rink.

Saccurato is just one of many female athletes who has used her success to make changes in the world of sport. As a personal trainer and fitness instructor, Saccurato's goal is to encourage other young girls to pick up the gloves.

With her partner, Saccurato works to try and raise the skill level, marketing, sponsorship, salaries and training opportunities of all women athletes. They are role models who strive to make their gay identity a positive example to all. They have been featured in The Advocate, Curve magazine, Girlfriends magazine, Go NYC magazine, NY Times and on an upcoming episode of the PBS show In the Life.