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Brazilian boxer Beatriz Ferreira added another milestone to her already illustrious career by securing the vacant IBF lightweight title with a victory over Argentina's Yanina Lescano. The 31-year-old's win not only marked her first world title in just her fifth professional fight but also set the stage for a potential historic double as she sets her sights on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Ferreira's journey to the professional ranks began just 18 months ago, following a decorated amateur career that saw her medaling at every major international event and clinching world championships in 2019 and 2023.
Despite her numerous accolades, an Olympic gold medal remained elusive after she settled for silver in the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, losing to Ireland's Kellie Harrington in the final.
In her recent bout against Lescano, Ferreira faced determined opposition but showcased her trademark aggression, dominating the fight until an accidental clash of heads led to a premature end in the sixth round.
While the victory was officially declared a technical decision, Ferreira's performance hinted at a more decisive outcome had the fight continued.
Reflecting on her achievement, Ferreira expressed her joy at accomplishing her mission of becoming a world champion and immediately shifted her focus to future challenges.
“Professional fighting is so different to Olympic, but we’d been training for 10 rounds and knew how difficult it was. I was ready. The fight didn’t go how we thought it would, it didn’t go as we wanted. But I guarantee you, as we get some momentum and some rhythm – I’m happy with the belt – but I promise you, the next fights will be even better.”
She emphasized the difference between professional and amateur boxing but remained confident in her abilities, promising even better performances in upcoming fights.
Looking ahead, Ferreira will return to amateur boxing, joining the Brazilian Olympic team to prepare for the 2024 Games. With the IBF lightweight title in her possession, she sets her sights on adding an Olympic gold medal to her collection, aiming to make history as the first woman to win both a professional world title and an Olympic gold within such a short span of time.