Biography:
Isra Girgrah (born September 16, 1971) is a Yemeni-born American professional world champion female boxer. The Girgrah family belongs to the old gypsy roaming families of Aden and traces its roots to the southern Yemeni mountains. Isra, at the age of 3, moved to Canada with her family in 1974. In 1994, she began boxing there to stay in shape. Even as a multi-sport star in high school, excelling in volleyball and soccer, Isra proved to be a natural talent in boxing. After graduating from college and relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, United States, she returned to the sport.
Girgrah, holding the world boxing identification number MD040035, is an American citizen. Her nickname is Raging Beauty. Throughout her career, she has held 4 World Class Belts including the IBF Lightweight Champion, UBA Lightweight Champion, IWBF Jr. Lightweight Champion, and WIBF Jr. Lightweight Champion.
Isra Girgrah made her professional boxing debut on February 14, 1995, in Louisiana. Unfortunately, she lost to future world champion Deirdre Gogarty by a knockout in three rounds. Despite this setback, she acquired her first victory on November 2, 1995, achieving a six-round decision win over Melinda Robinson, another future world champion, in Austin, Texas.
On January 19, 1996, Girgrah secured her first knockout win, defeating Amy Sherald in the first round in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These wins over Robinson and Sherrald marked the beginning of a six-fight winning streak, which included another victory over Robinson with a six-round unanimous decision on February 22, 1996, in Corpus Christi, Texas. However, her streak ended when she faced Andrea DeShong on October 6 of the same year. The match resulted in a four-round draw (tie) in Washington, D.C. Undeterred, Girgrah knocked out Norma Mosley in the second round fifteen days later, starting a three-fight winning streak that also included wins over Bethany Payne and a rematch against Tennile Davis.
Girgrah’s career took a significant turn when she faced Christy Martin on a pay-per-view televised match. The fight formed part of an undercard that included the Trinidad-Waters and López-Sánchez bouts. Though Girgrah lost to Martin on points over eight rounds, her performance against the defending WBC women’s world champion garnered high praise from boxing magazine writers.
Isra Girgrah rebounded from her first world title defeat by knocking out Andrea Buchanan in three rounds on April 11, 1998, in Columbia, South Carolina. She then had a rematch with Bethany Payne, defeating her with a knockout in seven rounds on November 20, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Despite one more victory, she suffered a setback on October 23, 1999, when Marischa Sjauw defeated her by a four-round decision. This match marked Girgrah’s last fight in Las Vegas.
Throughout her boxing career, Isra Girgrah has displayed determination, skill, and resilience. She has made notable contributions to the world of women’s boxing, inspiring many with her talent and achievements.