Interview with Pro Boxer Ina Menzer!

Interview with Female Pro Boxer Ina Menzer
Ina Menzer was an absolute pleasure to interview. She is humble, dedicated, sensitive and strong. Her appreciation for her fans is truly heartfelt and genuine, making her all the more appealing as a great example in women’s boxing. Her bio, which you can read here, shows an incredible history of bouts, wins and titles: http://www.wban.org/biog/imenzer.htm

Interview with Pro Boxer Ina Menzer by Laurena Marrone Campos
Is boxing acceptable or popular at all for women in your native Kazakhstan?
It is acceptable, but absolutely not for women.
How were you first introduced to boxing and do you recall the feeling you had in first class?

When I was 14, I started Kung-Fu. 2 years later I accompanied a friend to boxing, I liked it and just wanted to try. But I probably liked it way too much!
What made you move to Germany?
My forefathers were German (they migrated, with thousands of their countrymen to Russia in the 18th Century, when Katharina II ruled Russia). When the 2nd war started, they were banished to Kazakhstan or Siberia. In 1990 the borders were opened and a wave of Russian Germans returned to their forefather´s native country.
How often do you plan to fight this year? Any chance of seeing you in the United States?
I think it is optimal to fight 3 times a year (for me), so that the body has enough time to regenerate. Theoretically it is possible that I could fight in the USA, but that’s a point that depends of my management and TV.
Do you follow American Boxing? Any thoughts on the looming Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Fight?
Both are great boxers. I think me and the rest of the world would like to see this fight. And it is a pity that it was cancelled.
Would you like to see Showtime networks organize a Super-Six Tournament for Women? Do you know Mikkel Kessler and is he your favorite to win the tournament?
For me, I would not like to take part in a Super-Six style Tournament. It takes too much time before you get the result (the winner) and if somebody is injured, things keep changing. I respect all of the boxers for participating, but I would not choose this for myself.
Yes, I think Kessler is the best boxer in this Tournament.
Who are your role models in boxing?
For me, I believe that Kostya Tszyu and Manny Pacquiao are legends of the sport.

What do you think it will take for Women’s boxing to become more popular worldwide?
I think we have taken a big step forward in the last 3 to 4 years. But there are still too many people who do not accept women´s boxing. I think televised women’s boxing is important to show the world that women are good, strong, legitimate representatives of this sport.

Can you offer any advice to women who are interested in professional boxing?
It is a very hard way to get to the top, you need a great deal of patience and discipline. It is also very important to have a team that is working with you on a professional level. It is still a male-dominated sport.
Any final words?
I would like to thank all who are supporting me across the world, especially after my last fight, which I lost. I received so many e-mails where people tried to perk me up and encourage me. That means more to me than any title.
To learn more about Ina Menzer, please visit: http://www.inamenzer.com/