‘Empowering’ Life Lessons Help Tulsa Woman To Dominate In The Boxing Ring

Traditionally, boxing has been a domain for male athletes, but one Tulsa woman is showing that she can keep up with the best of them. 

Amateur boxer Neida Ibarra is quickly making a name for herself in the boxing world, posting a 17-4 record in just six years. Even with all the glory, the life lessons she has taken from the ring are the reason she puts on the gloves.

"It feels empowering, it teaches you a lot – dedication, patience, so many things. It teaches you and you grow with the sport," said Ibarra.

Ibarra is currently ranked second in the nation at 132 pounds and Ibarra still pinches herself when thinking about how far she has come.

"I think I'm honestly still processing everything. It feels so good and I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and it’s so rewarding knowing that my name is up there at the top," said Ibarra.

She picked up the sport from watching her older brother in the ring and she hasn’t slowed down since. Ibarra wants to make it a career move along with being a nurse.

"I mainly go to pursue a nursing degree that's really what's on my plate, but I can't see myself not boxing either, so whatever I'm going to do, I'm going to box," said Ibarra.