 |
Nava Scores Upset Over Rivera
When 23 year old Angela Rivera became the first American woman to capture the ultra prestigious International Amateur Muay Thai Federation (IAMTF) world championship in Thailand two years ago, the world knew a young star had been born. When she followed up the tournament victory with five consecutive professional victories, talk of her dominance in the sport began. But opposite Mexican kickboxer Jackie Nava, she showed even the brightest talent is not invincible. Trained by the highly regarded Miguel Reyes in Tijuana, Mexico, Nava proved to be well versed in western boxing and Limalama Karate. Her five, two minute round unanimous decision victory over Rivera in New Mexico marked her fifth win in six professional kickboxing contests. Trained by the highly regarded Miguel Reyes in Tijuana, Mexico, Nava proved to be well versed in |
|
western boxing and Limalama Karate. Her five, two minute round unanimous decision victory over Rivera in
New Mexico marked her fifth win in six professional kickboxing contests.
Also 23 years old, Nava was indifferent to the her opponent's four inch height advantage as she plugged away with a variety of high line kicks including a left reverse heel hook kick that caught Rivera on the side of the head in the opening round. "She looked really tall and she knew how to use her resources really well, like her long jab and legs," admitted Nava. "But, I got inside her guard and fought her in the short distance." |
|