FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
SM: I am Samantha Mellerson. I describe myself as a wife, mother, soldier for social justice and boxer. For real, that is what it reads on my twitter profile!
FFFC: How did you get interested in boxing?
SM: I have been interested in boxing since I was a child. I used to watch the fights with my dad and with my friends. I remember getting together with about 6-7 friends to watch a Mike Tyson fight, when Christie Martin opened up, and I couldn’t believe it. I was mesmerized. I think it had such a huge impact on me, because it didn’t just show me that women COULD box, but it challenged me to think about everything else I would want to do, but thought I “couldn’t”.
FFFC: How did you get started in boxing?
SM: Shortly after I saw that fight, I went around my community to the boxing gyms, to register for boxing, but no one offered traditional boxing. They offered kickboxing and martial arts, so I signed up, but it wasn’t really what I wanted. Fast forward almost 20 years, and I ran into a trainer who I later found out trained fighters, and asked him if he would teach me how to box. It was kind of a bucket list thing at this point. He agreed, and we started out. A few months in, he asked if I would consider a match, and I jumped at the chance. I have been training with him ever since.
FFFC: Who do you spar with?
SM: There is a group of guys that train with the same coach, and we all spar each other. I am the only woman in the group. They are a great group of guys. Our trainer also gets in the ring with us at times.
FFFC: Have you had an official match and if so, how did it go?
SM: We are training for an official amateur fight to take place by December 2014.
FFFC: What do you like most and least about boxing?
SM: I love the hard core training and discipline. I hate getting injured. Injuries usually happen because of a stupid mistake.
FFFC: What is your training program like?
SM: Warm ups consist of lots of shadow boxing and skipping rope. Then bag work and pads. The drills are rough with bursts of speed and power designed to engage your core, and my legs (my trainer gets on me about engaging my legs all the time!)
FFFC: What would you say is the biggest misconception about females in this sport?
SM: That we are violent or less feminine. Just not true at all. We are easy going, fun people that can clean up quite nicely! lol
FFFC: What do you admire most about your physique?
SM: My upper abs are conditioned quite well. I like that.
FFFC: What general tips do you have for other women interested in getting started with boxing?
SM: Try it. If you are interested you owe it to yourself to try it out. You will find that the people are friendly and will support your efforts.
FFFC: What is your daily diet (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)?
SM: So, I am trying to get better at this. Breakfast, is usually coffee and yogurt, or banana, or sometimes toast with a slice of cheese. Lunch and Dinner are usually a combination of salad, chicken, some veggies and either a pasta or rice. And my snacks usually consist of strawberries, blueberries, bananas, grapes (trying to introduce more apples and pears), wheat thins, cheese sticks, yogurt.
FFFC: Do you have any upcoming matches or events? Tell us all about it.
SM: I am training now with the hopes of securing an amateur fight by the end of this year. I am really excited about it. Will keep you posted!
FFFC: Where can I our readers find you on the web and read more about what you do?
SM: Good question. I am on Facebook and Twitter, but rarely post about my boxing….I just might have to change that!
If you need to get caught up on the series, don’t fret – they are all here ready for YOU to click and be amazed!! If you love this series as much as I do, show these women some love & support by reading their articles and leaving an encouraging comment! Smooches.
20 Replies to "Women Who Box - Samantha Mellerson"
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
October 21, 2014 (7:23 am)
I am loving this series! How cool that she is going to do her first match in Dec. I love kick boxing but would be terrified to let someone hit me back. Good luck to her
o
Lenze
Twitter: expectingmamas
October 21, 2014 (8:58 am)
This is a brave woman. I personally could not do it, but I can see her passion in this, especially being the only woman in training. I like kickboxing to a soundtrack. Good luck in your match in Dec Samantha!
Lean Lena
Twitter: LeanLena101
October 21, 2014 (9:28 am)
Boxing never appealed to me as a sport… It does look/feel/appear to be pretty violent and unfeminine 🙂
That makes me admire what Samantha does even more.
o
Christine
Twitter: choosykids
October 21, 2014 (9:55 am)
Girl’s got some guts! I totally would never let someone willingly hit me! Keep up the hard work 🙂
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 21, 2014 (10:45 am)
Me either
Eileen
Twitter: yesmissy
October 21, 2014 (10:38 am)
What an amazing journey and story!
Cheers,
Eileen
sarah sofia knepp
Twitter: sarahsofiapro
October 21, 2014 (11:36 am)
So inspiring! Thank you for showcase women that box! You’re spreading awareness that women can be do what they set their mind to, which is so empowering!
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 21, 2014 (11:42 am)
It really is inspiring to me too.
Toni
Twitter: tonee78
October 21, 2014 (1:15 pm)
What an inspiring story, I have always wanted to box but I am a chicken.
o
Nicole W.
Twitter: laeblsbynicole
October 21, 2014 (1:32 pm)
I always liked the idea of women boxers. I used to love watching Lala Ali.
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
October 21, 2014 (2:43 pm)
I am really loving this series! Sometimes I get so focussed on my running that I forget that there are those out there doing other sports to stay fit. Boxing just seems really cool to me
o
MCM Mama
Twitter: mcmmama
October 21, 2014 (2:58 pm)
Great series! I love reading about women who do something besides running.
o
Rachel
Twitter: livelearnliftrp
October 21, 2014 (4:48 pm)
Coming from a fellow female boxer I really admire her! You can tell she really does like it. I think boxing, just like any other sport is a sport; “violent and unfeminine” is kind-of offensive in my opinion. I think that speaks to people who don’t understand the sport itself but who knows. I never wanted to actually fight in a match but I love sparring with people (who will hit back lol). Way to go Samantha for speaking out for women who box!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 21, 2014 (9:39 pm)
She is awesome right? She is very sweet in person.
Toiia L. Rukuni
Twitter: RunningMommy198
October 21, 2014 (10:33 pm)
Diatta, I love this interview to see strong empowered doing their thing motivates me to stay fit, healthy, and strong in my life!
o
rachel October 21, 2014 (11:31 pm)
What another great inspirational story! thank you for sharing. 🙂
o
Danielle Stewart
Twitter: 1motivatingmom
October 22, 2014 (3:06 pm)
Always great to see stories about strong, inspiring and empowering women! There are days when I really think having a pair of boxing gloves, just might be the ticket to ease frustration! Great job.
Dannellys Rosario
Twitter: Charisbydesign
October 22, 2014 (4:00 pm)
I always loved watching a good fight with my dad growing up. It takes a lot of guts to go up there expecting to get hit and I am just not up for that. I love watching but not actually hitting. lol. It’s a great inspirational story to motivate anyone to start.
o
Jennifer Corter
Twitter: jenngem
October 26, 2014 (9:28 am)
This is really interesting! I’ve always been interested in boxing, and I really enjoyed reading about Ms. Mellerson! Thanks for sharing!
2014 Year In Review December 31, 2014 (6:42 am)
[…] Women Who Box – Samantha Mellerson – I met Samantha at a child’s birthday party earlier this year and learned she had skills in the boxing ring. I had to feature her on this blog and her interview did not disappoint. I bet many of these hits are from her boxing buddies. LOL […]