BraggingRightsCorner.com - DIERDORFF PULLS THE UPSET AGAINST MIA ST. JOHN IN MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA

Brooke Dierdorff
-Photo Courtesy of WBAN-

Twenty-five year old Brooke "No Mercy" Dierdorff, a featherweight novice from Canton, Illinois, upset veteran Mia St. John in Merrillville, Indiana, this Friday, April 20, 2007.

Dierdorff was a late replacement, a featherweight who at 129-½ pounds came in 7-½ pounds lighter than her celebrated opponent. Unlike St. John, Dierdorff had never gone the distance of 6 rounds, and with only three professional fights to her name, all of which she had won by TKO, Brooke upset one of the best female fighters via split decision. The official scores went 59-55 Mia St. John (judge Gary Merritt), 59-55 and 58-56 Brooke Dierdorff, (judges J. Wilson and D. Paige, respectively).

Mia's record reflects her long career, 43-8-2, 18 KOs, she will turn 40 in a couple of months. Perhaps there was a changing of the guard in Indiana tonight, it's possible that Brooke Dierdorff represents the future of women's boxing.

The fight was action packed, the fans were on the edge of their seat throughout the bout. Brooke Dierdorff took the fight to St. John, who was warned twice -but not penalized- for head butting and holding.

Ms. Dierdorff met the press after being pronounced the winner of the match. She was ebullient and pleased with her victory over boxing icon St. John, and this is a recap of what she had to say...

On her performance-
"I had never fought 6 rounds. I was going to try and box her, didn't want to run out of gas. Mia thought I had no power, but I am a power puncher and I was motivated by being an underdog... I beat one of the best female fighters in the world...

On Mia's performance-
"I didn't think she was ready. She is not a boxer or a fighter, she is a model!

On her next opponent-
Ms. Dierdorff was asked about the possibility of a fight against 'Merciless' Mary McGee. She replied, "I fight anybody, any time, anywhere; bring her on.

On the sport in general-
"I respect any woman who gets in there to do what I do."

Her closing comment was, "I love everybody."

This was an inspirational performance by a feisty young woman who simply wouldn't be vanquished.

Our congratulations go to Brooke Dierdorff, and to the Indiana Boxing Commission, headed by Mr. Jacob Hall, for having the foresight to allow this fight, in spite of the weight issues.

4-20-2007