Lucia Rijker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lucia Rijker |
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Rijker in 2005
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| Born | December 6, 1967 Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Nickname(s) | The Dutch Destroyer Lady Tyson |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 63.5 kg (140 lb) |
| Style | Orthodox |
| Professional boxing record | |
| Total | 17 |
| Wins | 17 |
| By knockout | 14 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 36 |
| Wins | 35 |
| By knockout | 25 |
| Draws | 1 |
Lucia Frederica Rijker (born December 6, 1967) is a famous Dutch athlete. She is known for being a professional boxer, kickboxer, and also an actress.
People sometimes called Lucia Rijker "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World" because of her amazing skills in the ring.
Contents
Early Life and Sports Beginnings
Lucia Rijker was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her father was from Suriname and her mother was Dutch. She can speak four different languages. Lucia is also a Buddhist and spends time each day meditating.
Lucia started her journey in martial arts very young, at just six years old. She began training in judo. A year later, she was already part of the Dutch National Softball Team. When she was fourteen, she became the Netherlands Junior Champion in fencing, a sport she had started only a year before.
Becoming a Kickboxing Champion
At fifteen, Lucia began kickboxing. She quickly showed how talented she was. She even knocked out the American kickboxing champion, Lily Rodriguez! Lucia went on to have an incredible record as a kickboxer, winning 36 fights with no losses. She won four different world titles in kickboxing.
Her only defeat in kickboxing was in a special exhibition match in 1994. She fought a male Muay Thai fighter named Somchai Jaidee, who won in the second round.
From Sports Star to Actress
After winning her first 14 boxing fights, Lucia decided to try something new. In 1999, she took a break from boxing to start a career in Hollywood.
She appeared in several movies and TV shows. One of her most famous roles was Billie 'The Blue Bear' Osterman in the 2004 movie Million Dollar Baby. This film won an Oscar. She was also in a documentary called Shadow Boxers. Lucia had smaller roles in movies like Rollerball and even played a Romulan communications officer in the 2009 film Star Trek. She also appeared in the TV show The L Word.
Return to the Boxing Ring
Lucia returned to boxing in February 2002. She continued her winning streak. On June 21, 2003, she beat Jane Couch by decision. This was her 16th win. Her 17th win came on May 20, 2004, against Deborah Fettkether.
Lucia was supposed to have a huge fight against Christy Martin in July 2005. This fight was going to be a big event, with the winner earning a lot of money. However, Lucia got a serious injury to her Achilles tendon while training. This meant the fight had to be cancelled.
In 2006, Lucia said she would only consider one more fight if it was against Laila Ali, another famous boxer.
Boxing Achievements and Legacy
Lucia Rijker has an amazing boxing record. She was undefeated, winning all 17 of her professional boxing matches. Out of those 17 wins, 14 were by knockout!
She has been featured on the covers of many magazines. As a professional boxer, she won the WIBF Welterweight Title. She beat strong opponents like Marcela Acuña and Deborah "Sunshine" Fettkether.
Current Activities and Coaching
For many years, Lucia Rijker has trained with the famous boxing coach Freddie Roach. In 2012, she became a striking coach for former UFC Champion Ronda Rousey.
Lucia also gives talks and seminars to athletes and others. She teaches them how to perform their best. She also keeps herself in great physical shape and follows a healthy diet.
In 2013, Lucia gained attention for her quick thinking during a boxing match. She was coaching Diana Prazak in a fight in Sweden. After the fight was stopped, her opponent, Frida Wallberg, started to collapse. Lucia immediately realized how serious it was and called the doctor back to the ring. This event led to discussions about safety in boxing.
Lucia Rijker has received many honors. In 2014, she was part of the first group of athletes to be inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2019, she became one of the first three women boxers ever chosen for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This was a very special moment because it was the first year women were included.
From 2017 to 2020, Lucia hosted the Dutch TV show Jamie's Dream School.
Championships and Accomplishments
Kickboxing
- 1988–1989 — IWBA Women's Boxing World Champion
- 1985–1994 — WKA Women's Division World Champion
- 1989–1994 — ISKA Women's Division World Champion
Boxing
- 1997 - WIBF Super Lightweight World Champion
- 1998 - WIBO Junior Welterweight World Champion
- 1997–1998 — European WIBF Boxing Champion
Images for kids
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Rijker in 2005
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Lucia Rijker and Jane Couch boxing, 2003
See also
In Spanish: Lucia Rijker para niños
