Mary Spencer: a K.-O. at a time

DAY

It's no secret for any lover of the noble art: knockouts. are much less common in women's boxing than men's. Canadian Mary Spencer, however, derives great satisfaction from beating the odds. 

At the Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) gala, presented Thursday at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, Spencer (6-0, 4 KOs) was the first to end her fight prematurely. Only Yves Ulysse junior also passed the K.-O. to his rival during the evening.  

“I love showing the public – not only the men, but also the women – that we can achieve this, launched the Ontarian after her resounding victory against the Uruguayan Chris Namus (25-8, 8 K.-O.). We are capable of hitting hard.”

Spencer only needed 1:56. to knock the former International Boxing Federation champion down three times and force the referee to stop the fight. By way of comparison, when Namus had crossed swords with Marie-Ève ​​Dicaire in 2018, the Quebecer had been crowned by unanimous decision of the judges.

Beyond this expeditious result, Spencer was particularly satisfied with its performance from a technical point of view.

“It was perfect, I had the chance to plan my attacks, she continued. I wasn't just trying to go crazy to knock him down. I'm happy to have won while keeping my mind clear and calm.”

“The first time she fell, I knew she had realized that I could hit from my right . So I started to use my left a little more. I feel like I have power in both hands, so I was able to really shake it off a few times.”

A smooth transition

After participating in the London Olympics in 2012, and multiplying the successes in the World Amateur Boxing Championship, Spencer took a step back before embarking on the professional. Some six fights later, spanning 10 months, there is no doubt in his mind that this was the right decision.

“I feel like during the whole of my amateur career, everyone told me that my style was professional. But this transition did not interest me and did not excite me. I didn't even think about it.”

“Now I'm here, and I feel like I'm made for this sport. I have so much fun doing this.”

Spencer's name was on everyone's lips after the EOTTM National Day Gala. It only took two professional fights in the Belle Province for her to fall into the eye of Quebec boxing fans.

“It's by far my favorite place to fight, a- she concluded. I am so happy that the Quebec fans welcomed me so warmly. I feel at home here.