Beatriz Ferreira is used to winning.
Ferreira spent years traveling the world and fighting the very best during a long, hard and ultimately outstanding amateur career. But the 31-year-old Brazilian’s victory over Argentina’s Yanina Lescano on Saturday didn’t only secure her the vacant IBF lightweight title but also completed the first part of what Ferreira hopes will be a truly historic double.
Ferreira encountered some brave resistance from Lescano, but her relentless aggression eventually proved too much for the Argentinean. Ferreira was well on top when the fight went to the judges scorecards after an accidental clash of heads opened a huge gash over Lescano’s eye.
Officially, Ferreira became a world champion via a sixth-round technical decision, but in reality, the clash of heads probably prevented her from winning the title in much more conclusive fashion.
Ferreira was delighted after collecting her first world title, in just her fifth professional fight.
“It’s incredible. It’s extraordinary. I’m so happy. Mission accomplished,” Ferreira said after the fight. “Now, it’s time to focus on the next fights.
“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.”
Ferreira only turned professional 18 months ago. She medalled at every major international event and won the world championships in 2019 and 2023. Frustratingly, an Olympic gold medal escaped her grasp when she was beaten by Ireland’s Kellie Harrington in the final of the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo and was forced to settle for silver.
With the IBF lightweight title packed safely in her hand luggage, Ferreira will now fly home and turn her attention back to amateur boxing.
She will join up with the Brazilian Olympic team and focus fully on the 2024 Games in Paris. Winning a professional world title and an Olympic gold medal within the space of four months would be an incredible achievement, and the happy-go-lucky Ferreira is determined to make history this summer.
“My life is crazy,” she said. “I dance to the music and the tune that’s playing. I had visualized being a world champion but could never imagine it would happen so soon. But we’ve been training really hard and been really focused. I promise you that I am going to take the world by surprise.
“I love making history and I’ve got my eye on that gold medal. I think I’ll get even better between now in Paris, and I guarantee you I’ll get the gold medal this time.”
