Born: 1973 (Oakville, Missouri)
Biography:
Bridgett Riley, born on May 13, 1973, is a remarkable female boxer and motion picture stuntwoman hailing from Oakville, Missouri. Her journey into combat sports began while she worked as an airline attendant, inspired by her brother Patrick’s deep interest in mixed martial arts. With a burning desire to excel in the sport, Bridgett embarked on intense training sessions alongside her brother and a group of esteemed martial artists, including former three-time world kickboxing champion Jim Boucher from Belleville, Illinois. As part of a competition team comprised of other exceptional fighters such as Ronnie Diamond Deleon, Patrick Riley, Donny Reinhardt, and Russ Hogue, she honed her skills and prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. It was under this guidance that she would go on to hold the IFBA’s world Bantamweight championship, etching her name in the history books of women’s boxing.
In the early 1990s, Bridgett Riley began her journey towards boxing stardom, initially gaining recognition in kickboxing circles. With her exceptional talent and determination, she secured numerous titles and became a renowned figure within the kickboxing community. Her electrifying performances headlined many kickboxing shows in Las Vegas, and her fights were frequently televised on regional sports networks, capturing the attention of fans across the nation.
While continuing her kickboxing career, Bridgett made a groundbreaking decision to transition into professional boxing. Her loyal fans embraced this news wholeheartedly, eagerly anticipating her debut. On April 8, 1994, she stepped into the ring for her first professional boxing match in Laughlin, Nevada, defeating future world champion Yvonne Trevino by a four-round decision. Although Bridgett took a two-year break from boxing, she remained busy competing in kickboxing fights, further cementing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
In 1996, the golden era of women’s boxing was born, and Bridgett Riley seized the opportunity to make her comeback. On June 16, she triumphed over Del Pettis in Long Beach, reigniting her career in the ring. However, on May 17, 1997, she encountered her first career loss when she faced Theresa Arnold, succumbing to a cut sustained over her left eye in the sixth round. Despite this setback, Bridgett remained undeterred, showcasing her true strength and resilience.
Following her loss, Bridgett Riley relentlessly pursued her boxing dreams, winning her next two fights and securing a rematch with Yvonne Trevino. On February 15, 1998, in Biloxi, Mississippi, she claimed the IFBA world Bantamweight championship, defeating Trevino in a resounding ten-round unanimous decision. Eager to prove herself further, Bridgett defended her title on June 26 of that year, delivering a spectacular knockout victory over Aicha Lahsen in Las Vegas. This particular fight was deemed the women’s boxing fight of the year for 1998, solidifying Bridgett’s status as a boxing force to be reckoned with.
Continuing her winning streak, Bridgett Riley then triumphed in three consecutive fights, displaying her exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Throughout her career, Bridgett faced numerous challenges and fought against formidable opponents, but her resilience and passion for the sport always shone through. Despite her remarkable achievements, she never lost sight of her roots and the people who paved the way for her success.
Awards:
– IFBA World Bantamweight Championship