Jackson turning to pugilism

LOS ANGELES, CA — After punching Ina Gourevitch – an opposing team member – in the parking lot after a basketball game in Jerusalem, former WNBA player Deanna Jackson was suspended indefinitely by the WNBA; now it seems she will never return. Jackson so enjoyed battering Gourevitch about the face that she has decided to join the Women’s Boxing League of California. Visiting with Jackson at the San Diego gym where she has been practicing with a trainer, she seems eager and tremendously confident heading into her first fight against Melissa Hernandez. Though Hernandez is a practiced professional – the Women’s Boxing Archive Network’s “May 2007 Fighter of the Month,” as a matter of fact – Jackson’s trainer (Martin O’Leary) believes his fighter is ready. “She was never willing to go up against any lower-level fighters. If she is going to box, Deanna wants to go up against the best of the best,” O’Leary told reporters at the pre-fight press junket. “This girl has got a fire in her, and I think it can take her right to the top. This is the female equivalent of Mayweather/De La Hoya!” Jackson, who said she takes her inspiration from Mike Tyson, told SSNN that “I feel so free. Taking out my aggression physically is freaking AWESOME! I can’t believe I’m going to get paid to do this! I’m gonna be the female Mike Tyson. Cover your ears, BITCH!” The fight between Jackson and Hernandez will air on Pay Per View on August 12, 2007. O’Leary has said he will push for an asphalt ring surface to make Jackson feel more comfortable, but he was pessimistic that Hernandez’s corner would agree.

It’s going to be tough for this sport to sweep any nations, but it’s still pretty frickin’ cool!