Exclusive Boxing Interview: Jennifer “The Razor” Barber

NABF Female Featherweight Champion Jennifer “The Razor Barber” will be facing Gloria Ramirez at the Irvine Marriott in Irvine, California on October 29.

This co-main event six-rounder will not be a defense for her title, but it will give Barber a tough competitor.

Ironically, a few months ago, Barber had foreseen the addition of women’s boxing to the Olympics as a major stepping stone to gain more recognition and respect among the sport. This year it was decided that women’s boxing will take place in the 2012 Olympics.

SaddoBoxing: How is your preparation and training going for your bout with Gloria Ramirez?

Jennifer Barber: It’s been good. I’ve been sparring nine rounds for three minutes, so training has definitely been stepped up.

SB: How are your sparring partners?

JB: They’re good. Good for training. I’ve been mostly sparring with amateur boxers. Also, Mia St. John too.

SB: That’s effective. You get the energy and force from the amateurs and the veteran. I can see your regime is modified?

JB: Yes, yes. My coach Stan Ward stepped up my training about five notches. There’s a lot more cardio, and just all in all intense.

SB: You had told me something I find very interesting and vital. You don’t actually watch any video footage on your opponent before a fight?

JB: No, I do not. My coach actually researches them and studies them. If I did, I would go into the fight expecting something. It doesn’t matter what she does, it matters what I do. I think that’s the best part of the amateurs, not knowing who your opponent is or anything about them.

SB: Your weight for this bout?

JB: I am usually featherweight at 126lbs. For this I have to go up to 130lbs because my opponent can’t get down. It will be a super-featherweight class fight.

SB: I remember during a previous interview you had said that women’s boxing in the Olympics will help out the women of the sport and the sport itself. And now, come 2012, female boxing!

JB: I know, I know! It’s great that it happened! I think that there’s going to be a big change the next couple of years. The fact that it will be a apart of the Olympics is explosive!

SB: You will be at the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

JB: Yes I will. I was actually asked to be a guest. I will be the representation for women’s boxing.

SB: And you run for charitable causes?

JB: Yes, I do. I recently participated in an 8K run for research on ovarian cancer. And I will be running a 10k for preventions and help of drug abuse. It’s great exercise!

SB: I’m sure it is. Killing two birds with one stone, supporting a cause and training! Any last comments?

JB: Thank you for this interview, I appreciate it! Check out my website www.jennifertherazor.com.