LEXINGTON PARK Md. — Knowledge Boxing Center Coach John Richardson, along with KBC ring announcer Sugar Shell, took three female boxers within the masters division ranks.
The weekend tournament took place at the Pat Johnson Masters Boxing Championships, Oct. 4-5 at the Showboat, Atlantic City.
The tournament was sanctioned by USA Boxing and sponsored by Title Boxing. Amateur fighters age 35 and older were permitted to enter the tournament.
Thirty-five-year-old local boxer Amber Moore competed and won over Arizona competitor Ines Newby at 132-143 pounds. Moore was feeling positive after the first round.
“I knew midway through the first round,” Moore said regarding confidence in winning her matchup.
Coach Richardson was telling Moore to keep her composure.
“I just wanted her to keep the pressure and remain confident in the ring,” he said.
Moore said her intentions are to keep training.
“I enjoy the lessons and I’ve grown so much since starting with Knowledge. We work hard most every day of the week to stay disciplined,” she said.
Jamie Fink, at age 51, trained for months to compete in her third fight in the 119-125 pound weight class; however, her opponent, Lisa Zimmerelli, 47, also of Maryland, did not show for the battle.
“It was disappointing because you train hard for these fights and they [refs] tell you just before you’re scheduled to go into the ring that your opponent hasn’t arrived,” Fink said.
Richardson said he was extremely proud of the team and what it takes to stay ready to compete.
“These things happen in boxing — also in the professional ranks as well,” Richardson said. “They all are the best boxers in their weight class, and we can’t take anything away from them. They prepare physically and mentally as if they’re going to fight.”
“I was glad to be there to support my team,” Fink stated. “We’re a family at Knowledge Boxing, and we all support one another.”
Fink is carving her own path and is fortunate to have the masters division as an option to compete in.
“Fink is the best in the country in the 125-pound division,” Richardson said.
At age 42, hometown favorite Shanta Jones (165 pounds) captured the victory over 45-year-old Christina Shek.
“She was eager to get in there,” Richardson said. “Jones gets in intense training and she threw her fast-paced jab.”
Jones scored a second-round RSC (ref stops contest) just about 30 seconds into the round.
“Coach kept telling me that I could achieve it,” Jones said with a smile. “But I wasn’t sure, but when I connected it made me believe that I could.”
Jones has overcome many trials in life by putting everything she’s got into her boxing career.
“Boxing saved me in a sense,” she stated. “I quit the partying lifestyle and got serious about going back to school and working hard.”
Jones has earned her associate degree in nursing and continues her progress.
Richardson said ultimately he and Coach Darly Hinmon are proud of the team and look forward to matching them up for another matchup.
“We’re going back to the lab,” Richardson said, “and they may get another opportunity to fight in Las Vegas in February.”
Knowledge Boxing will be hosting the last show of the year, SMOKE 19, at The Rex in Leonardtown on Nov. 22, 2025. See knowledgeboxingcenter.com for tickets and details.
“There’s a new phenomenon in women’s boxing,” Richardson said. “Each one of these ladies works hard.”
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