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 and kickboxer. Lucia has also worked as an actress.
People sometimes called her "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World." This was because of her amazing skills in the ring.
Contents
Lucia Rijker's Early Life and Sports Beginnings
Lucia Rijker was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her father was from Suriname, and her mother was Dutch. Lucia is very smart and can speak four different languages. She is also a Buddhist and spends time each day meditating.
How Lucia Started in Martial Arts
Lucia began her journey in martial arts when she was only six years old. She started by training in judo. Just one year later, she was already part of the Dutch National Softball Team.
Becoming a Champion in Different Sports
When Lucia was fourteen, she became the Netherlands Junior Champion in fencing. She had only started fencing a year before that! At fifteen, she began kickboxing. She quickly showed her talent by knocking out the American kickboxing champion, Lily Rodriguez.
Lucia had an incredible record as a kickboxer. She won 36 fights and had only one draw. She won four different world titles in kickboxing. Her only loss in a kickboxing match was in 1994. This was an exhibition match against a male Muay Thai fighter named Somchai Jaidee.
Lucia's Career Change to Acting
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.
Lucia's Roles in Movies and TV Shows
Lucia appeared in the famous movie Million Dollar Baby in 2004. This movie won an Oscar and was about female boxers. She played a character named Billie 'The Blue Bear' Osterman. Lucia was also in a documentary film called Shadow Boxers.
She had a small part in the movie Rollerball. She also made a brief appearance in the TV show The L Word as a trainer. Later, she returned to The L Word in a different role. In 2009, Lucia played a Romulan communications officer in the movie Star Trek.
Returning to the Boxing Ring
Lucia Rijker returned to boxing in February 2002. She continued her winning streak. In June 2003, she beat Jane Couch by decision. This was her 16th win. Her 17th win came in May 2004 against Deborah Fettkether.
A Big Fight That Didn't Happen
Lucia was supposed to fight another famous boxer, Christy Martin, in July 2005. This was going to be a huge event in Las Vegas. Both women were guaranteed a lot of money, and the winner would get even more. However, Lucia got hurt while training. She ruptured her Achilles tendon, which is a serious injury. Because of this, the big fight had to be canceled.
In 2006, Lucia said that she was not officially retired from boxing. She mentioned that she would only consider one more fight. This fight would be against Laila Ali, another well-known boxer.
Lucia Rijker's Amazing Boxing Records
As of February 2007, Lucia Rijker had an undefeated record in boxing. She won all 17 of her fights, with 14 of those wins coming by knockout.
Lucia has been featured on the covers of many magazines, including Inside Kung Fu. As a professional boxer, she won the WIBF Welterweight Title. She also beat strong opponents like Marcela Acuña and Deborah "Sunshine" Fettkether.
Lucia's Current Activities and Contributions
For several 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.
Inspiring Others and Staying Active
Lucia continues to be very busy. She gives talks and seminars to athletes and other people. She teaches them how to perform their best. She also stays in top physical shape and follows a strict diet.
A Moment of Quick Thinking in the Ring
In June 2013, Lucia gained media attention again. She was working in the corner for female boxer Diana Prazak during a fight in Sweden. Diana won the fight, but her opponent, Frida Wallberg, collapsed afterward. Lucia quickly realized how serious the situation was. She immediately called the doctor back to the ring and helped Wallberg. This event led to discussions about medical safety in boxing.
Honors and Recognition
In 2014, Lucia Rijker was part of the first group of people to be inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame. This was a great honor for her achievements.
In 2019, Lucia made history again. She became one of the first three women boxers to be elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. She was also the first Dutch woman boxer to receive this honor.
From 2017 to 2020, Lucia hosted the Dutch version of a TV show called Jamie's Dream School.
Championships and Accomplishments
Kickboxing Achievements
- 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 Achievements
- 1997 - WIBF Super Lightweight World Champion
- 1998 - WIBO Junior Welterweight World Champion
- 1997–1998 — European WIBF Boxing Champion
See also
In Spanish: Lucia Rijker para niños
