Lisa Porter to Face Selina Barrios on December 29 with Vacant NABF Lightweight Belt on the Line

From WBC:

SELINA “AZTEC QUEEN” BARRIOS VS LISA PORTER FOR THE NABF LIGHTWEIGHT CROWN

The two most avoided female boxers are poised to face each other, with undefeated sensation, lightweight Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios, taking dangerous yet “Lovely” Lisa Porter.

The NABF lightweight title is at stake in the 10-round bout at the Rapides Parish Coliseum on December 29, 2017, in Alexandria, LA. The only other female pro to fight for a major title this quickly is 2-time gold medalist Clarissa Shields.

Due to unavailability or reluctance to fight Barrios or Porter, the two agreed to fight each other. Barrios is a winner of four Ringside World Amateur Titles to add to her many national championships. Porter was a decorated amateur herself, winning three National PAL championships, US Golden Gloves, and was a US National Silver medalist. Both fighters are coming to this with pristine undefeated records.

Barrios’ last opponent Jasmine Clarkson, was world champion Katie Taylor’s sixth opponent, before Taylor fought for the WBA world title. In Porter’s case, she fought to a draw with Katonya Fisher, who defeated Jessica McCaskill, who is just went the distance with Taylor for WBA world title.

“I’m very excited to be fighting for the NABF title,” said Selina Barrios, stressing: “All I want is an opportunity to win a world title, and gaining the NABF belt will get me that much closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I know I’m going to be facing a dangerous opponent in Lisa Porter, but nothing comes easy in boxing. That said, I’m willing to fight anyone they put in front of me. I’m confident I can win this fight. I just want to fight the best and prove I’m elite.”

“I’m glad Selina Barrios and I have come to an agreement to make this fight happen, especially for the NABF title,” stated Lisa Porter, adding: “It’s been tough getting opponents to step in the ring with me, so this is truly a blessing. I’m very grateful to the folks at the NABF for sanctioning this fight. Selina Barrios is going to be a tough test, but one I believe I can pass. The fans are going to see a great fight.”

“With Selina being the most avoided female fighter in boxing, I had to do my part on getting her ranked by the NABF,” said advisor Kerry Daigle, explaining: “It’s not going to be an easy road to the top. There’s a lot of good fighters out there with a lot of experience that she’s going to have to fight. That will be the case when Selina steps in the ring with Lisa Porter, who has a plethora of amateur experience. She is also one of the most avoided fighters in the lightweight division. This will be a battle of two fighters who are putting everything on the line to advance their careers to the next level.”