Born: 1980 (Atbassar, Kazakh SSR, USSR)
Biography:
Ina Menzer, born on November 10, 1980, in Atbassar, Kazakh SSR, USSR, is a remarkable German former professional boxer. Her career has left a significant mark on the world of women’s boxing, as she held multiple titles and achieved numerous accolades. Menzer’s dedication, skill, and relentless drive in the ring have solidified her legacy as one of the most influential female boxers of her time.
Menzer’s journey in boxing began when she and her family immigrated to Germany in 1990. Growing up in Mönchengladbach-Wickrath, she quickly found her passion for the sport and joined the Faustkämpfer Mönchengladbach boxing club. Under the guidance of her coaches, Waldemar Altergott and Oleg Ginkel, Menzer honed her skills and showcased incredible determination.
Her amateur career was marked by several significant victories, including becoming the Lower Rhine Champion twice and the West German Champion. In 2001, Menzer achieved international recognition as the International Champion. A year later, she emerged victorious in the Ceresit Boxing Cup for women, held in the St. Pauli sports hall in Hamburg, defeating Sonja Dürr. In 2003, she claimed the German Champion title at the 1st International German Women’s Boxing Championships (IDBF) in Meppen, Lower Saxony.
March 30, 2004, marked an important milestone in Menzer’s journey, as she stepped into the ring for her first professional fight. Her talent and determination quickly propelled her career forward. On October 22, 2005, in her eleventh professional fight, she captured the WIBF featherweight world title (up to 57 kg) with a hard-earned points victory over Silke Weickenmeier.
Ina Menzer’s success continued to flourish as she defended her title in nine subsequent fights, solidifying her position in the boxing world. On March 8, 2008, she faced Canadian boxer Sandy Tsagouris, emerging victorious after ten intense rounds, further securing her status as a double world champion as the WBC world title was vacant.
The year 2009 proved to be a standout year for Menzer, as she received the prestigious Boxer of the Year award from the World Boxing Council (WBC). This recognition was a testament to her skill, dedication, and contribution to the sport.
However, Menzer’s remarkable career had its fair share of challenges. In 2010, she faced Canadian boxer Jeannine Garside in a highly anticipated bout. Despite a valiant effort, Menzer lost her titles to Garside in a narrow points decision. Recognizing when to step away, Menzer chose to retire from boxing in 2013, leaving behind a record of one defeat in 31 professional fights.
Beyond her accomplishments in the ring, Menzer pursued her education and graduated with a degree in sports management in 2014. She has also experienced joy and fulfillment in her personal life, having married Denis Moos in 2006. They have since become parents to two daughters.
Ina Menzer’s impact on women’s boxing cannot be overstated. Her remarkable achievements, both as an amateur and a professional boxer, have inspired countless individuals and propelled women’s boxing into the spotlight. Menzer’s relentless drive, unwavering dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship serve as a testament to her influence on the sport and her lasting legacy as one of the greatest female boxers of her era.
Awards:
– World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxer of the Year (2009)