Born: 1967 (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Biography:
Lucia Frederica Rijker, also known as The Most Dangerous Woman in the World, is a Dutch professional boxer, kickboxer, and actress. She was born on December 6, 1967, in Amsterdam, to a Surinamese father and a Dutch mother. Rijker’s exceptional journey in the martial arts world is characterized by relentless determination, unmatched skill, and a fierce dedication to her craft.
Rijker’s passion for martial arts manifested at a young age. At just six years old, she began her training in judo. Her talent and determination quickly propelled her to success. Within a year, she joined the Dutch National Softball Team, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. With a strong foundation in various sports, Rijker’s potential became evident at an early age.
At the age of fourteen, Rijker discovered her talent for fencing, and within a year, she became the Netherlands Junior Champion in the sport. However, her true calling awaited her in the world of kickboxing. At fifteen years old, Rijker ventured into kickboxing and demolished the reigning American kickboxing champion, Lily Rodriguez, with a knockout. This victory marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would establish Rijker as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
Throughout her kickboxing career, Rijker attained remarkable achievements. With an impressive record of 36-0, including 25 knockouts, she became a four-time world champion. Her prowess inside the ring was unparalleled, earning her the reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the world. Rijker’s only defeat in the kickboxing realm came in an exhibition match against male Muay Thai fighter Somchai Jaidee, who knocked her out in the second round. However, this loss did not tarnish her legacy, as Rijker’s impact on the sport remained unmatched.
Despite her dominating success in kickboxing, Rijker sought new challenges and decided to switch her focus to boxing. After securing fourteen victories in her boxing career, she aimed to face off against the renowned Christy Martin. However, a match between the two never materialized, and Rijker put her boxing career on hold in 1999 to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Rijker’s transition into acting was a testament to her versatility and determination. She made her debut as Billie ‘The Blue Bear’ Osterman in the critically acclaimed film Million Dollar Baby in 2004, which went on to win multiple Academy Awards. Additionally, she was featured in the documentary film Shadow Boxers, which further showcased her multifaceted talents.
Her acting career extended beyond Million Dollar Baby, as she appeared in several other films and television shows. Rijker played a minor role in Rollerball and had a brief cameo in the season 2 finale of The L Word as Dana’s trainer. She returned to The L Word in Season 5 as Dusty, Helena’s cellmate in prison. Furthermore, Rijker portrayed a Romulan communications officer in the film Star Trek, displaying her versatility in various roles.
Despite her hiatus from boxing, Rijker yearned to return to the ring. In February 2002, she made her comeback and secured a victory against Jane Couch. Her winning streak continued, and she triumphed over Sunshine Fettkether in May 2004. Rijker was scheduled to face off against Christy Martin in a highly anticipated match in July 2005, but unfortunate circumstances led to the cancellation of the fight. Rijker suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during training, requiring a lengthy recovery period.
In 2006, Rijker expressed her willingness to contemplate one final fight before potentially retiring from professional boxing. Her legacy as one of the most formidable female fighters ever will forever be etched in history. As a role model and inspiration, Rijker’s unparalleled achievements in the world of martial arts and her successful transition into acting have paved the way for future generations of female fighters.
Awards:
– Four-time World Kickboxing Champion