Heather Dunn: Experience as kick boxer may be a plus for 19-year-old boxing hopeful.

Augusta female boxer to step into the ring

Augustan is lone Georgia boxer at women's amateur championship

Web posted July 8, 1997

By Jimmy DeButts
Staff Writer

Heather Dunn has a problem with fighting. She likes it.

The 19-year old Georgia Southern sophomore will represent Augusta in the 1997 USA Women's Amateur Boxing National Championship next week. Dunn plays on her college's rugby team and has been kick boxing for two years.

Dunn has been concentrating on boxing the past few weeks, but has a solid foundation from her kick boxing experience. She said she's always had a fascination with fighting.

``I guess it was all the martial arts movies I watched when I was a kid,'' Dunn said. ``I've always been interested in the martial arts and knowing how to take care of myself.''

The one-time cheerleader at Richmond Academy said she hopes the inaugural championships will help female boxing grow in popularity.

``I heard about this tournament and I think it's a really good opportunity for women boxers to be seen. It's not just for men anymore,'' she said.

Dunn, who will represent the Augusta Boxing Club, trains three hours a day. She runs three miles in the morning before heading to Augusta Martial Arts Club or the Boxing Club.

Tom Moraetes, head coach and director of the Augusta Boxing Club, said Dunn has the talent to take the 156-pound division.

``She's got a shot. He's not entering this thing as a token, she can fight,'' Moraetes said. ``I think it's good to have someone from the area, it gives it a local flavor.''

Moraetes and Mike Carlson, of the Augusta Martial Arts Academy, coach Dunn. Dunn said she felt compelled to enter the tournament when she heard about it.

``I had no idea it would be this big and I wanted to be a part of it,'' Dunn said. Dunn is trying to destroy the stereotypes of female boxers.

``We're all very good fighters, they wouldn't be putting this on if we weren't,'' she said.

Georgia's lone representative would like to see a large turnout at the matches, which begin July 16. She said she's been getting a lot of support from the community as she prepares for her first boxing tournament.

``I really appreciate everybody putting their faith in me,'' Dunn said, adding she's not underestimating the importance of a home town advantage.

``It's real nice. Hopefully when they see Augusta on my shirt they'll automatically cheer for me.''

Tickets for the preliminary fights at Warren Road Gym are $1-$3. There are 12 weight classes and as of July 7, 54 boxers were registered to fight. Boxers range from ages 17-33 and hail from 22 states.