Kenia Stephanie Enriquez

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Kenia Stephanie Enriquez was born on October 21, 1993, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Raised in a city renowned for its rich boxing culture, Enriquez was exposed to the sport early on. Encouraged by her family’s enthusiasm for boxing, she began training at the age of 12. Her natural talent and unwavering dedication quickly set her apart in the local boxing community, and she embarked on an amateur career that would set the stage for her future success. Enriquez’s amateur career was marked by significant achievements and milestones. One of her earliest major successes came in 2008 when, at just 15 years old, she won the Mexican National Championship. This victory was a testament to her skill and determination, and it established her as one of the top young female boxers in Mexico. She continued to compete in national and international tournaments, consistently showcasing her talent and earning numerous accolades.

 

Throughout her amateur career, Enriquez faced a variety of tough opponents, each helping to sharpen her skills and build her reputation. Notable among her early victories was her triumph over seasoned competitors in the national circuit, where she displayed remarkable technical prowess and an aggressive fighting style. Her ability to adapt to different opponents and strategies became a hallmark of her boxing approach.

 

One of the key moments in Enriquez’s amateur career was her participation in the 2011 Women’s National Championships. Her performance in this tournament further solidified her status as a rising star in the boxing world. By the time she decided to turn professional, Enriquez had amassed an impressive record and had built a strong foundation of experience and confidence. Her achievements in the amateur ranks, including multiple national titles and international competition experience, prepared her well for the challenges of professional boxing.

 

Professional Career

 

Kenia Stephanie Enriquez began her professional boxing career on July 6, 2012, with a first-round knockout victory over Guadalupe Valdez in Tijuana, Mexico. Her explosive debut was a sign of things to come, as Enriquez quickly established herself as a force in the flyweight and light flyweight divisions. Over the next few years, she built an impressive record, showcasing her skills and tenacity in the ring. One of the highlights of Enriquez’s career came on November 21, 2014, when she won the vacant WBO female flyweight title by defeating Ana Arrazola via unanimous decision in San Diego, California. This victory marked her arrival on the world stage, and she continued to defend her title against top contenders. However, on February 28, 2015, she faced her first professional defeat, losing her WBO title to Melissa McMorrow by split decision in a closely contested bout in Rosarito Beach, Mexico.

 

Enriquez’s resilience and determination were evident as she rebounded from this loss with a series of impressive wins. On May 27, 2017, she claimed the WBC interim female light flyweight title by defeating Maria Salinas via third-round TKO in Ciudad Obregón, Mexico. She successfully defended this title multiple times, including notable victories over Jessica Nery Plata and Norleidys Graterol, solidifying her reputation as a dominant force in the division. Her most recent accomplishments include winning the vacant WBC interim female flyweight title by defeating Ibeth Zamora Silva on September 10, 2023, in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She then defended this title against Maria Salinas on February 3, 2024, in San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico, with a unanimous decision victory.