(Photo credit: Geovana Peres/Facebook page)
Last October, Brazilian born New Zealander Geovana Peres, stopped Canadian Claire Hafner in the 8th round, at the Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland, to become the #1 female Heavyweight in the world. Hafner/Peres was a battle between the top two in the division (as per the Heavyweight ratings at Lineal Boxing Champion, and at BoxRec), so, as is tradition in boxing, this made Peres the true, Lineal Champion - one of only 4 Lineal Champions in women’s boxing, alongside Katie Taylor, Jessica McCaskill and Claressa Shields.
Seven months prior to this, Peres had claimed the WBO Light Heavyweight belt when she widely out pointed Lani Daniels. There are currently no other major world title belt holders above 168lbs but It will come as no surprise if the WBC, WBA and IBF soon started naming their own titlists at Light Heavyweight and/or at Heavyweight.
However, one thing is clear: it is the 5’6.5”, athletically built, 173lbs, quick handed Kiwi, who rules the land above Super Middleweight. If Shields, Savannah Marshall, or any future belt holders want to challenge for the real crown, they must face Peres.
Last week we contacted the Champ, to find out a bit more about her, and to see what her future plans are.
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Where in Brazil are you from, and what brought you to New Zealand?
I was living in Florianopolis, an island in the south of Brazil, however, my family now lives in Minas Gerais, a state close to São Paulo. New Zealand always was a dream. I came to learn another language, another culture, and have different experiences.
How did you get interested in boxing, and how old were you when you started?
I was going through a hard moment professionally and spending too much time and energy trying to control things that I could not. One day I was at the gym where I used to work and I saw an advert about “FightNight” corporate boxing, to raise money for kids with cance r. In that moment It clicked that I should put my energy towards something important and assist others. I asked the gym manager if she could cover the fees/ training costs as I could not afford them. She agreed to, and I started training. It was love at first “punch.” After that I didn’t stop. I was 39 years old.
How would you describe your fighting style?
I’m adaptable. I fight in the style that my coach thinks is appropriate according to the opponent.
What has been the best win of your career so far?
My fight for the (WBO) World Title against Lani Daniels. Lani Daniels was/is a very skilled fighter. When we fought first for my NZ Title it was a very close fight. When I was told I would fight her again for the World Title, I told myself that that would be the moment to prove that I was the best without any doubts!
Is the fight with Savannah Marshall still going ahead? Do you know the date yet?
It’s not going ahead. It was cancelled due to the pandemic.
If the fight could be rescheduled next year, how do you envisage it playing out?
I don’t like to predict anything. I will never underestimate any opponent.
In your opinion is the current opposition tougher for you at 168 - 175lbs? Or tougher above 175lbs?
I don’t think about, I just want to be in the ring. That’s all.
If an opportunity to fight for the WBC Heavyweight title came up, would you be interested? (For example, if the WBC selected you to fight their #3 rated Heavyweight, American, Lorissa Rivas, or Las Vegas based Heavyweight, Nadia Meknouzi - both of whom weighed just under 200lbs for their last bouts).
We would take the fight, as long as the money and conditions were right (answered by Terrence Reid-Batchelor - Geovana’s coach/manager).
If you could fight anyone in the sport in 2021, who would it be, and where would the fight take place?
My ultimate goal always has been Claressa Shields. I’m chasing greatness, I would like to fight the best. Anywhere.
Who has inspired you the most in boxing?
My coach (Terrence Reid-Batchelor) for his total love for the sport and dedication to his fighters. Some old school boxers such as Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano, Ali, and Tyson. Also, David Tua, who inspires me with his actions and gives me valuable advice during my training sessions with Alex Sua (the famous New Zealand Light Heavyweight who competed from 1975 – 1984). Katie Taylor and for sure Claressa Shields are my inspiration too.
Tell us something that not many people know about you.
I love sleeping with my cats around me! I’m a cat lady!
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Adam McMeeking: @LinealBoxChamp
www.LinealBoxingChampion.com