Athletes

Mary Jo Sanders is currently undefeated, with a record of 19-0 and five knockouts. She currently holds the IBA Continental Junior Welterweight, IBA Continental Welterweight and WBC Welterweight titles.

Before becoming a professional boxer, Sanders placed first place at the Lady of Iron Body Building Competition in 1998. That year, she also won the heavyweight division of the Miss Natural Michigan Building Competition and placed first at the Original Toughman/Toughwoman contest. Sanders finished first at the 2000 World Toughwoman Competition and secured first place in junior-welterweight division at the 2002 Detroit Golden Gloves Competition.

At her professional boxing debut on Feb. 7, 2003, Sanders defeated Willicia Moorehead in the first round. On June 5, 2003, Sanders defeated Shadina Pennybaker, whose only previous loss had been to Laila Ali. Sanders again beat Pennybaker in a rematch on July first.

On April 16, 2004, Sanders defeated world champion Layla McCarter. On May 20, 2004, Sanders beat Chevelle Hallback, the IBA World Lightweight champion, in a fight for the vacant IBA Women's Continental Junior Welterweight Championship.

Sanders successfully defended her title against Lisa Holewyne, who was the WIBF Welterweight World Champion at the time.

Sanders was named “Top Rookie of the Year” by WBAN in 2003 and “Hottest Rising Star” by WBAN in 2004. She was also named the “2005 Female Fighter of the Year” by The Ring magazine. (1/06)