By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
When I think of women in boxing, the first lady that comes to my mind is Aileen Eaton. She was the legendary fight promoter at the historic Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles from 1942 to 1980. Her outstanding knowledge about fighters and the business of boxing earned her the first ever honor of a woman being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002. She is also an inductee in the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
I fully support women in boxing in any capacity and would like to bring to your attention a lady that is my friend – Sarah Cammann.
I met Sarah about five years ago while she was attending the University of California Santa Barbara. She would come into Duke’s Boxing every day for fitness, which led her into boxing. Owner Henry Calles opens his door and offers his expertise in the sport to all that come to Duke’s Boxing. From the moment Sarah entered the gym, we all “instantly” knew there was something special – very special – about her and this did manifest itself bigger than life right before our very eyes over the past years through her dedication.
Sarah has become more than just another person in the gym with her hard work and her nothing is too meaningless to help attitude. She trains and is involved in everything in and out of the gym. Most importantly, last year when Henry became a professional in the ring and we needed a Team Manager, there was no one who came to mind but Sarah to fulfill those business duties and to be a hands-on figure in the gym, both training for Henry and helping others in the gym as well.
She trains and boxes herself, and for a lady that is just 100 pounds strong – she is dynamite.
I can say so many positive things about Sarah in boxing, but what really stands out are her focus, loyalty, dependability and kindness in being willing to learn the trade of boxing. I might surmise this is brought on by her being an elementary school teacher and helping kids in her regular job.
For those who know Sarah, you will certainly agree with me that she is a wonderful human being. I consider myself blessed to have her in my life. Sarah’s growing knowledge in a sport she loves will only get brighter in the years to come – like a jewel in boxing!
