By Mike Anderson
The atmosphere at the Pickering Casino was electric on Friday night as Pefferlaw’s Melinda Watpool climbed into the ring to fight fellow Canadian Natasha Spence for the WBA International Middleweight Title.
The packed arena included a large contingent from Pefferlaw, who were there to cheer on their hometown hero.
“We’re here to show our support. Melinda is from a small town, and it’s amazing what she’s doing as a female boxer,” said Rhonda Walsh, from Pefferlaw.
When asked if she thought Watpool would win the title, Walsh said, “Absolutely. Go get it, girl!”
Watpool didn’t disappoint, defeating Spence in a 10-round unanimous decision.
She dominated her opponent from the opening bell, often driving her back into the ropes with a barrage of body blows.
While Spence struggled against Watpool, she did manage to land a series of counterpunches. But it wasn’t enough to stop Watpool’s relentless attack.
“Natasha’s a survivor. She’s smart in there. She knows how to slow the pace down, hold, and make things work for what she wants to do,” Watpool said after the fight.
“But my punching power was too much for her. She tried to pick it up and put some pressure on. But she couldn’t keep that up.”
Out-fought, Spence resorted to several head butts and at least one punch under the belt, which Watpool believes should have resulted in a penalty.
Still, despite the referee’s no-calls, Watpool was ecstatic about the outcome.
“It feels amazing,” Watpool said, clutching her title belt. “It was worth the dieting and every moment I put into camp and training.”
“I’ve been a pro for two years, so it feels fast for a professional. But, I’ve been boxing since 2007, so I’ve put many years into the sport.”
“I’ve seen all of her fights, and I’m sure this is the best,” said Brent Shaw, whose daughter Laura co-owns Pefferlaw Hardware, where Watpool works when she’s not training.
“There was no weakness, no let up. Melinda stuck to her strengths. And even in the 10th round, after she got hit, she came right back and nailed the girl into the corner.”
With seven straight wins under Watpool’s belt, Shaw is confident that a world title is within her reach.
“She wants to be on top, and she’s going to be,” he said.
Tyler Buxton, owner and president of United Boxing Promotions, agrees.
“I was excited when I had the opportunity to sign Melinda because of her background and amateur experience. And I believe she can be a world champion,” Buxton said.
“Melinda is world class. She has fought some of the best women in the world as an amateur. She fought WBC Champion Claressa Shields and hung in there. Shields says one of the hardest punches she ever had was from Melinda.”
Watpool credits her team, including, Dewith Frazer, her coach of 15 years, for her first title win and her number one WBA middleweight ranking. But she says the hometown crowd gave her the edge she needed.
“It’s amazing to have the support. When I hear them announce Pefferlaw and hear the cheers from people, I know that’s my crew right there. I know exactly who they are. I know everyone by name. I’ve sold them all the tickets. I love that they come and support me. It’s the best feeling.”
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