Photo: Noel Callan – Naomi Mannes, 4th contender for the WBA world title.
I love taking an interest in the opponents who come here, to Quebec, to face our boxers. As the saying goes in tango, it takes two to dance, or in this case, to box. Lacking the time to follow The Young and the Restless or Coronation Street, it’s boxing that I watch like a soap opera, with even more captivating plots.
This brings us to this last-chance fight for Mary Spencer.
After tasting defeat twice against Femke Hermans for the WBO title, the door to the WBA is wide open, and only Naomi Mannes stands in her way to prevent Mary Spencer from becoming a world champion.
Did You Know?
- There’s a war between the WBA and BoxRec ever since the 103-year-old organization chose FightFax as its official reference for its bouts. There is no longer any reference to the WBA on BoxRec. Let’s be honest, this damages the prestige of this belt.
- Terri Harper has until August 26, 2024, to decide if she will keep the regular WBA title. If she vacates it, EOTTM will fight tooth and nail to organize a regular world championship bout.
- Naomi Mannes overcame the referee, the judges, the crowd, and Hannah Rankin last April in England. She can boast about sending world title contender Rankin into retirement.
Who Is Naomi Mannes?
“Naomi Mannes, a former European title contender, has already faced several experienced fighters in her professional career. Despite two consecutive losses to Tokyo 75kg Olympic champion Lauren Price and the spirited Kirstie Bavington, she bounced back by earning a hard-fought victory against Hannah Rankin in her most recent bout. She is a tough opponent with some punching power, who has never been knocked out. Nevertheless, I expect Mary Spencer to win by decision,” said Marie-Ève Albert, who became legendary thanks to her podcast *120 Seconds*.
Naomi Vivien Mannes is a 29-year-old German boxer from Frankfurt, a city known for its sausage, green sauce, and famous Apfelwein, that delicious apple wine.
In the ring, Naomi Mannes (7-2-1, 4 KOs) has a style that is fairly simple to describe: she controls distance, waits for counter-attacks, and delivers precise punches.
However, she fell short when she faced Lauren Price, the former Olympic gold medalist.
And in the Red Corner?
Mary Spencer is approaching forty. She no longer has the luxury of losing; this is her last chance to become a world champion.
“This time, it’s true: it’s do or die,” declared Samuel Décarie-Drolet, coach of the Eye of the Tiger protégé who is in his second consecutive training camp following the cancellation of her scheduled fight last June against April Hunter.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for months. Unfortunately for Naomi Mannes, my patience will end on September 5th, and she will pay the price once in the ring,” promised the 3rd-ranked WBA contender, Mary Spencer.
On Thursday, September 5th, at the Montreal Casino or on Punching Grace, it’s a date not to be missed.
Prediction
Since I am paid to see the future: I say that the third time will be the charm. I go with a card of 98-92 in favor of the Canadian. It is up to Naomi to prove me wrong.
