María Micheo doesn’t stop. The Guatemalan boxer returns to the ring this Friday, April 17, against the undefeated Natalie Dove at the Madison Square Theater in New York, as part of the MVP II card promoted by Jake Paul’s promoter. In an exclusive interview with Prensa Libre, María spoke about this opportunity in her career, her preparation and her vision of Guatemalan boxing in one of its best historical moments.
The invitation to participate in this card came in a way that Micheo does not hesitate to describe as special. “It was something very sentimental. I asked God for this opportunity to fight in that promotion and a week later they contacted me. I was ready and prepared to take it”the Guatemalan said with emotion, making it clear that this fight is not a coincidence but the result of years of work, discipline and faith. The billboard MVP II is one of the most anticipated of the year in international women’s boxing, and Micheo will open the main card from the Madison Square Theater.
The fight will be contested in the 112-pound category, two divisions above Micheo’s natural weight, which is 105 pounds. This involved a very specific preparation process that the Guatemalan took on with total professionalism. “It’s not just about gaining weight, it’s about increasing muscle mass and power. We work a lot on strength, technique and nutrition with a high protein diet and very intense physical work”explained about a challenge that makes this fight one of the most demanding challenges of his career.
The camp and the rival
The preparation camp lasted five intense weeks under the direction of his coach Marisol Rhoesa, who accompanied Micheo in every detail. “My coach polished me a lot so as not to make mistakes and do the best technical and practical work for this fight,” the boxer highlighted. The process included high-performance physical work, specific sparring and rigorous nutritional monitoring to arrive at the April 16 weigh-in in the best possible conditions.
Her rival, the American Natalie Dove, arrives undefeated and with a solid career in amateur boxing that makes her a serious opponent. “She has a long record of amateur boxing. She currently has seven professional fights and is undefeated. She has incredible physical condition and very technical boxing.”acknowledged Micheo, who also sees in that style an opportunity to give a great exhibition. “This is going to be a fight where we are going to demonstrate the boxing skills of each one and give a show to the public”he stated.
Although the fight does not have a title in dispute, Micheo is very clear about the purpose behind the fight. “Every fight adds to the ranking. I am open to fighting for a world title at 105, 108 or 112 pounds. I have been the only Guatemalan boxer who has fought for an absolute world title and I want to have that opportunity again.”he expressed with conviction, remembering that he was already at number one in the world ranking and that his goal is to return to that position.
References with Lester Martínez
Micheo also reflected on the historical moment that Guatemalan boxing is experiencing, highlighting the role that both she and Lester Martínez play in the development of the discipline in the country. “We are two important references for Guatemala in professional boxing and we want to open the doors to many people who come with talent and desire to represent the country”said the Guatemalan, who was her nation’s first professional boxer and has paved the way for generations to come.
His motivation, he assures, goes far beyond the results inside the ring. “I do it because I am passionate about it, but also to inspire other people to not give up and fight for their dreams. I want to show all the girls that it is possible, that we are warriors and we have all the ability to do it”he expressed.
This Friday, from the Madison Square Theater in New York and starting at 8:00 PM Guatemala time on ESPN, “La Imparable” promises a memorable performance. “I am unstoppable and nothing stops me. We are going to do excellent work for all Guatemalans”he concluded.
