VIVIANA RUIZ
Andrew Fairley meets a boxer who didn’t know who Shane Mosley was
When and why you started boxing:
Seven years ago in Australia at Fight Gym. After one class, I found a happy and relaxing place where you get to punch something or someone in the face.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Amanda Serrano is amazing; her display against Katie Taylor was unreal. Nonito Donaire, he holds world championships from flyweight to featherweight, and is the oldest boxer in history to win a bantamweight world title, as well as being the first three-time champion at that weight. I admire their respect for the sport and their opponents, plus their work ethic.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Nonito Donaire v Naoya Inoue I. It was such a display of heart and heavy, heavy punches. You could not take your eyes away. I enjoy lighter weights because there are more punches and more skill.
Personal career highlight:
As a pro, being in the IBF rankings in such a short time. As an amateur, representing Australia at the Boxam tournament in Spain and winning a gold medal.
Toughest opponent:
Ingrit Valencia at the Women’s World Championships in India. She was a bronze medallist from the Olympics in 2012. It was war!
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
Strength: my work ethic. I work my ass off every day. I have a goal to become a world champion. Weakness: social media! Also, knowing when to stop pushing to limits that are not healthy.
Training tip:
Train at a gym and with a team that you enjoy and feel like family.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Barbecued octopus from Nomad [in Sydney].
Best friends in boxing:
My coach, Ben Savva.
Which other athlete would you like to be and why?
In boxing, Amanda Serrano – I love the way she is inside and outside the ring. She got where she is by fighting anyone, anywhere. Also the athlete David Goggins; I am obsessed with his words, story and what he represents.
Last film/tv show you saw:
Lucifer. I really like shows that describe how the afterlife works.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Teresa Mendoza from The Queen of
the South.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Never. I met Shane Mosley and he was cool, but I didn’t know who he was –I was new in the sport.
Last time you cried:
Every time I watch The Lion King, it
still makes me cry!
Best advice received:
Do something you believe in, you are passionate about and you are good at, and money will follow.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I am a terrible cook.
Something not many people know about you:
I love candles and plants! My apartment is full of them.