Yokasta Valle

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Yokasta Valle was born on August 28, 1992, in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, but she moved to Costa Rica with her family at a young age. Growing up in a new country, Valle faced many challenges, but she found solace and strength in boxing. She started training in the sport at the age of 13, inspired by the success of other female boxers and driven by a desire to prove herself. Valle’s early introduction to boxing set her on a path of determination and resilience. Valle’s amateur career was marked by numerous achievements and significant victories that established her as a rising star in the sport. One of her earliest notable successes came in 2009 when she won her first national championship in Costa Rica, showcasing her talent and dedication. Her performance in national tournaments continued to improve, and she quickly became a dominant figure in Costa Rican amateur boxing.

 

In 2011, Valle’s skills were put to the test on the international stage when she competed in the Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Qinhuangdao, China. Although she did not medal, her participation and performance against some of the world’s best amateur boxers gained her valuable experience and recognition. This exposure was crucial in preparing her for the challenges she would face in her professional career. Another significant achievement in Valle’s amateur career was winning the Central American Games gold medal in 2013. This victory was a testament to her hard work and determination, solidifying her status as one of the top female boxers in the region. Her success at the Central American Games was a pivotal moment that boosted her confidence and fueled her ambition to transition to professional boxing.

 

Professional Career

 

Her career began on July 26, 2014, when she won her debut fight against Guadalupe Atilano by unanimous decision at the Gimnasio Fite Nite in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Valle quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating her skills and determination in each bout. By 2016, she had accumulated an undefeated record, showcasing her prowess with victories over opponents such as Xiomara Vilorio and Lorena Mendoza.

 

Valle’s first major title came on December 16, 2016, when she won the vacant IBF female junior mini flyweight title by defeating Ana Victoria Polo via split decision in San José, Costa Rica. This victory was a pivotal moment in her career, as it established her as a world champion and solidified her reputation as a top contender in the mini flyweight division. Despite a setback in 2017, when she lost to Naoko Fujioka for the WBO female junior flyweight title in Tokyo, Japan, Valle remained resilient and focused on her goals.

 

In 2018, Valle faced another challenge when she competed against Tina Rupprecht for the WBC interim female mini flyweight title in Germany. Although she lost the bout, her determination and relentless pursuit of excellence never wavered. Valle bounced back with a series of victories, including a TKO win over Haydée Zapa in Panama City and a unanimous decision win against Edith Flores in Santo Domingo, Costa Rica.

 

Valle’s career continued to flourish with significant wins and title defenses. On August 4, 2019, she won the IBF female mini flyweight title by defeating Joana Pastrana via split decision in Marbella, Spain. This victory marked the beginning of a successful reign, during which Valle defended her title multiple times. Notable defenses include victories over Yenifer León and Sana Hazuki. On September 8, 2022, she unified the IBF and WBO female mini flyweight titles by defeating Nguyễn Thị Thu Nhi via unanimous decision in San José, Costa Rica.

 

In her most recent bouts, Valle demonstrated her dominance by retaining her titles against Jessica Basulto Salazar and Anabel Ortiz. However, on March 29, 2024, Valle faced a tough challenge against Seniesa Estrada at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Despite her valiant effort, she lost her IBF and WBO female mini flyweight titles by unanimous decision. This fight also contested the WBA and WBC female mini flyweight titles, highlighting Valle’s continued ambition to compete at the highest levels of the sport.