Mia St. John

Mia Rosales St. John (born June 24, 1967) is a Mexican-American professional boxer and former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion in the super welterweight division.[1] She is also the IBA and IFBA lightweight champion.[2] She is also a model, businesswoman, and taekwondo champion.[3]

Mia St. John
Mia St. John in 2005
Statistics
Real name	Mia Rosales
Nickname(s)	The Knockout
Weight(s)	Welterweight Light welterweight Lightweight Super featherweight Featherweight
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach	66 ^1⁄2 in (169 cm)
Nationality	American
Born	June 24, 1967 San Francisco, California
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	65
Wins	49
Wins by KO	19
Losses	14
Draws	2
No contests	0

Early life

St. John, a Mexican-American with family roots in Zacatecas, Mexico, was born in San Francisco, California. She attended California State University, Northridge, earning a degree in psychology. While a student, she compiled a taekwondo record of 27–1, was awarded a black belt, and worked as a model to fund her education.[4]

She married Kristoff St. John, but they later divorced. They had two children, son Julian (1989–2014) and daughter Paris.

Professional boxing career

At the age of 29, St. John decided to become a professional boxer. In her first bout on February 14, 1997, she knocked out Angelica Villain in 54 seconds of the first round, earning her the nickname "The Knockout."[5]

St. John, whose first manager was Art Lovett,[6] in partnership with his brother Stewart Lovett,[7] would eventually sign a contract with Don King and then Top Rank Boxing, and was featured on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya bouts. She had 23 fights and won 22 with one draw, 3 KOs and 9 TKOs. All fights were four-rounders and most were televised gaining her national attention. St. John was crowned the "Queen of the Four-Rounders", a title she hated. St. John's opponents were selected by Top Rank without her input.[8]

After her twentieth bout, St. John was injured in a skiing accident that threatened possible amputation of one of her legs. She underwent two operations to remove a blood clot.[9]

In November 1999, St. John appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine and in an 11-page pictorial. She wanted to show that she was a feminine woman as well as an athlete. Critical of her career, the boxing press added the term "Busty Bunny Boxer" in describing St. John.[10]

St. John did not renew her contract with Top Rank in 2001, becoming her own manager and promoter. On November 9, 2001, she lost her first fight to Rolanda Andrews with a TKO in the second round, St. John's first contest after parting with Top Rank.[11]

Eduardo and Roberto García

St. John turned to trainers Eduardo and Roberto García to learn proper punching techniques, footwork, and defensive strategies. St. John won her next four bouts, one by TKO.[12]

On December 6, 2002, St. John fought top boxer Christy Martin. Martin had a record of 44 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. The press laughed at the match-up and predicted St. John would be knocked out early in the bout. St. John, coming up two weight classes, lost the bout but fought toe-to-toe with Martin all ten rounds for a credible performance.[13]

WBC, IFBA and IBA lightweight championships

On June 12, 2005, and after 47 professional bouts and 9 years, St. John was given a title bout with Liz Drew. St. John won by unanimous decision, earning the International Female Boxers Association lightweight world title. She followed this win with a unanimous decision over Donna Biggers in August, winning the IBA continental lightweight title.[14]

St. John has fought all over the world, including Beijing, China, where she won her IBA Championship. After accumulating an unheard of boxing record of nearly 60 pro fights, on June 14, 2008, St. John fulfilled her dream of fighting in her mother's home country of Mexico. She fought one of the toughest fights of her career and became the WBC international boxing champion of the world at the age of 40.

In November 2008, she was awarded by the Governor of Zacatecas, Mexico, an outstanding achievement award for her role in sports and humanitarianism. The WBC also presented her with the 2008 "WBC Goodwill Ambassador" Award.

In November 2010, Rep. Grace Napolitano joined St. John and LA Laker Ron Artest for an official mental health and suicide prevention training at Napolitano's district office in Santa Fe Springs. Artest and St. John have joined Napolitano to promote the Mental Health in Schools Act, legislation she authored which would increase federal funding for mental health therapists in schools.

She also spoke at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, where President Barack Obama made a speech at the CHCI's annual Gala.

As well as Congress, St. John speaks in schools and juvenile halls on the importance of education and overcoming hardship. She speaks of her own battles with mental illness, addiction, poverty and overcoming it all, to become a three time international boxing champion.

On August 14, 2012, St. John fought Christy Martin in a long-awaited rematch. Her dream of sixteen years finally materialized and at the age of 45, she captured the WBC super welter weight championship of the world.

On November 10, 2012, St. John was defeated by Tiffany Junot in Bakersfield, California, losing her WBC Female Super Welterweight Championship in a unanimous decision.[15]

On April 14, 2016, St. John had her last boxing bout in New Zealand on the Kali Reis vs. Maricela Cornejo undercard as the curtain call. This was her retirement bout, winning by TKO in the 4th round.

In August 2018, St. John admitted to the use of prohibited substances including steroids and masking agents in preparation for around 20 bouts, stating that "everyone does it and everyone in boxing knows it."[16]

MMA career

On January 26, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii, St. John's fighting career took yet another turn. “Returning to her roots” in the martial arts, she competed in her first mixed martial arts (MMA) contest and, with a combination of kicks and punches, defeated her opponent Rhonda Gallegos with a first-round knockout.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary

65 fights	49 wins	14 losses
By knockout	19	5
By decision	30	9
Draws	2

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
65	Win	49–14–2	Lisa Lewis	TKO	4, 1:37	Apr 16, 2016	The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
64	Win	48–14–2	Tammy Franks	UD	4, 2:00	Oct 23, 2015	Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
63	Loss	47–14–2	Tori Nelson	TKO	2, 0:42	May 17, 2014	Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, Virginia, USA	Women's International Boxing Association World welterweight title
62	Loss	47–13–2	Cecilia Brækhus	TKO	3, 1:38	Apr 13, 2013	Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark	WBA World female welterweight title WBO World female welterweight title WBC World female welterweight title
61	Loss	47–12–2	Tiffany Junot	UD	10, 2:00	Nov 10, 2012	Home Base Building, Bakersfield, California, USA	WBC World female super welterweight title
60	Win	47–11–2	Christy Martin	UD	10, 2:00	Aug 14, 2012	Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California, USA	vacant WBC World female super welterweight title
59	Win	46–11–2	Tammy Franks	UD	6, 2:00	Oct 16, 2010	Santa Ana Star Casino, Bernalillo, New Mexico, USA
58	Loss	45–11–2	Rola El-Halabi	TKO	5, 0:43	Mar 20, 2010	Kuhberg Halle, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	Women's International Boxing Association World lightweight title Women's International Boxing Federation World lightweight title
57	Loss	45–10–2	Brooke Dierdorff	UD	8, 2:00	Apr 4, 2009	Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico	WBC International female lightweight title
56	Win	45–9–2	Darys Esther Pardo	UD	8, 2:00	Dec 20, 2008	Parque Andrés Quintana Roo, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico	WBC International female lightweight title
55	Win	44–9–2	Amy Yuratovac	MD	8, 2:00	Jun 14, 2008	Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico	vacant WBC International female welterweight title
54	Loss	43–9–2	Brooke Dierdorff	SD	6, 2:00	Apr 20, 2007	Star Plaza Theater, Merrillville, Indiana, USA
53	Loss	43–8–2	Jaime Clampitt	UD	10, 2:00	Feb 9, 2007	Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA	vacant International Women's Boxing Federation World lightweight title
52	Loss	43–7–2	Jelena Mrdjenovich	UD	10, 2:00	Jun 23, 2006	Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada	vacant Women's International Boxing Federation World lightweight title
51	Win	43–6–2	Shelby Walker	TKO	3	Apr 1, 2006	Palo Duro Creek Country Club, Nogales, Arizona, USA
50	Loss	42–6–2	Holly Holm	UD	10, 2:00	Dec 8, 2005	Isleta Casino & Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	International Boxing Association female super lightweight title
49	Win	42–5–2	Donna Biggers	UD	10, 2:00	Aug 20, 2005	Capital Gym, Beijing, China	International Female Boxers Association World lightweight title
48	Win	41–5–2	Liz Drew	UD	10, 2:00	Jun 12, 2005	Ohkay Casino, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, USA	vacant International Female Boxers Association World lightweight title
47	Loss	40–5–2	Jessica Rakoczy	TKO	2, 2:00	Feb 10, 2005	Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, USA
46	Win	40–4–2	Joy Irvin	TKO	2, 1:14	Feb 3, 2005	HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, USA
45	Win	39–4–2	Janae Archuleta	TKO	1, 1:46	Dec 18, 2004	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
44	Win	38–4–2	Lana Alexander	UD	4, 2:00	Nov 6, 2004	Grand Casino Coushatta, Kinder, Louisiana, USA
43	Win	37–4–2	Janae Archuleta	UD	4, 2:00	Oct 23, 2004	Activity Center, Maywood, California, USA
42	Win	36–4–2	Janae Archuleta	UD	4, 2:00	Oct 15, 2004	Casino Del Sol, Tucson, Arizona, USA
41	Win	35–4–2	Ragan Pudwill	UD	4, 2:00	Aug 13, 2004	Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis, South Dakota, USA
40	Win	34–4–2	Talia Smith	UD	4, 2:00	Jul 29, 2004	Oakland Arena, Oakland, California, USA
39	Win	33–4–2	Melissa Yanas	TKO	3, 0:34	Jul 23, 2004	Club Avalon, Denver, Colorado, USA
38	Win	32–4–2	Lana Alexander	TKO	4, 1:57	May 8, 2004	Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA
37	Loss	31–4–2	Jessica Rakoczy	UD	8, 2:00	Apr 15, 2004	Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, USA
36	Win	31–3–2	Ragan Pudwill	UD	4, 2:00	Feb 7, 2004	Grand Casino Coushatta, Kinder, Louisiana, USA
35	Win	30–3–2	Franchesca Alcanter	UD	4, 2:00	Jan 24, 2004	Bank of America Center, Boise, Idaho, USA
34	Win	29–3–2	Jessica Mohs	UD	4, 2:00	Oct 10, 2003	Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona, USA
33	Draw	28–3–2	Olivia Gerula	PTS	6, 2:00	Sep 19, 2003	4 Bears Casino & Lodge, New Town, North Dakota, USA
32	Win	28–3–1	Jessica Mohs	UD	4, 2:00	Jul 11, 2003	City Center Pavilion, Reno, Nevada, USA
31	Loss	27–3–1	Jenifer Alcorn	UD	8, 2:00	Apr 19, 2003	Selland Arena, Fresno, California, USA
30	Win	27–2–1	Jessica Mohs	UD	6, 2:00	Mar 15, 2003	Club Life, Dallas, Texas, USA
29	Loss	26–2–1	Christy Martin	UD	10, 2:00	Dec 6, 2002	Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, USA
28	Win	26–1–1	Elisha Olivas	TKO	3, 1:52	Aug 10, 2002	Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, USA
27	Win	25–1–1	Kristy Follmar	MD	4, 2:00	May 18, 2002	Silver Star Casino, Choctaw, Mississippi, USA
26	Win	24–1–1	Janae Archuleta	MD	4, 2:00	Apr 7, 2002	Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, USA
25	Win	23–1–1	Gina Greenwald	UD	4, 2:00	Jan 18, 2002	Sports Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
24	Loss	22–1–1	Rolanda Andrews	TKO	2, 1:47	Nov 8, 2001	Sunset Station, San Antonio, Texas, USA
23	Draw	22–0–1	Imelda Arias	MD	4, 2:00	Jul 28, 2001	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
22	Win	22–0	Linda Tenberg	UD	4, 2:00	May 13, 2001	The Hangar, West Wendover, Utah, USA
21	Win	21–0	Amy Yerkes	TKO	3, 1:49	Mar 25, 2001	Greyhound Park, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
20	Win	20–0	Sherri Thompson	TKO	3, 1:55	Jan 20, 2001	MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
19	Win	19–0	Amy Yerkes	TKO	4, 1:18	Dec 3, 2000	Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
18	Win	18–0	Linda Robinson	UD	4, 2:00	Jun 17, 2000	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
17	Win	17–0	Franchesca Alcanter	UD	4, 2:00	May 19, 2000	Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, USA
16	Win	16–0	Kristin Allen	MD	4, 2:00	Feb 26, 2000	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
15	Win	15–0	Kelly Whaley	UD	4, 2:00	Jan 22, 2000	Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California, USA
14	Win	14–0	Sharon Sirls	TKO	1	Dec 11, 1999	Dixie Junior College, Saint George, Utah, USA
13	Win	13–0	Kelley Downey	TKO	4, 1:40	Sep 18, 1999	Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
12	Win	12–0	Maryanne Haik	UD	4, 2:00	Jun 26, 1999	Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
11	Win	11–0	Chris Sepulvado	TKO	1, 1:30	May 8, 1999	Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
10	Win	10–0	Amanda Skelton	UD	4, 2:00	Feb 13, 1999	Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
9	Win	9–0	Brandy Mae Vaughn	KO	2	Dec 12, 1998	Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA
8	Win	8–0	Brenda Felter	SD	4, 2:00	Sep 19, 1998	Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
7	Win	7–0	Brenda Felter	UD	4, 2:00	Aug 15, 1998	Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA
6	Win	6–0	Chris Sepulvado	KO	2	May 30, 1998	Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA
5	Win	5–0	Dolores Lira	UD	4, 2:00	Nov 28, 1999	Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, USA
4	Win	4–0	Dawn Wimer	TKO	1	Aug 5, 1997	Nashville, Tennessee, USA
3	Win	3–0	Contina Frederick	TKO	3	Jun 21, 1997	Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, USA
2	Win	2–0	Dawn Graham	TKO	1, 1:32	Apr 19, 1997	Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
1	Win	1–0	Angelica Villian	KO	1	Feb 14, 1997	Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
1 match	1 win	0 losses
By knockout	1	0
By submission	0	0
By decision	0	0

Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	1–0	Rhonda Gallegos	KO (punches)	X-1 Champions	January 26, 2008	1	0:44	Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

References

1. "Ratings". Archived from the original on 2013-01-04. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
2. "Women's Boxing Star Mia St. John To Be Honored In Mexico". saddoboxing.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
3. "Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair This Friday in Los Angeles - Boxing News - Doghouse Boxing". doghouseboxing.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
4. "Q&A Sessions: Mia St. John". nochelatina.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
5. "The Koncrete Jungle – Mia St. John "A Night of Knockouts" Affair". thekoncretejungle.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
6. "The Show Must Go On : Tragically for Boxer Mia St. John, Life Sometimes Does Imitate Art". latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
7. "Boxing Manager Lovett Dies". latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
8. "Women's Boxing: Mia St. John Biography". wban.org. Archived from the original on 2010-03-29. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
9. "Mia St John Goes To Washington On Behalf Of Mental Health | BoxingInsider.com". boxinginsider.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
10. "Former Mia St. John Trainer is Not A Fan of Women's Boxing". aolnews.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
11. "Playmate-Boxer Mia St. John Want's [sic] Christy Martin". esnewsreporting.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
12. "TSW: Mia St. John". angelfire.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
13. "Christy Martin, Mia St. John Trade Words at Presser - Boxing News". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
14. "KNOCKOUT MIA ST. JOHN ROCK BIG APPLE COMIC-CON". wizardworld.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
15. "Boxing championship raises funds for the Kern County Cancer fund - 23ABC News". turnto23.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
16. Pugmire, Lance. "Former boxer Mia St. John admits using PEDs in wake of Alvarez-Golovkin controversy - Los Angeles Times". latimes.com. Retrieved 3 November 2018.

External links

• Official website
• Split Decisions: Official Documentary on Mia St. John
• Mia St. John at IMDb
• Professional MMA record for Mia St. John from Sherdog
• Boxing record for Mia St. John from BoxRec