FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA’S LEAH MELLINGER TO DEFEND WORLD BOXING TITLE AGAINST DANIELLA SOMERS IN BELGIUM ON MARCH 14, 1999

Leah Mellinger, recently named in International Boxing Digest as one of female boxing’s best fighters pound for pound, will defend her IWBF junior welterweight title against Daniella Somers on March 14, 1999, at the Arenahal in Antwerp, Belgium. The main event is scheduled for 5pm Belgian time. This will be Mellinger’s first defense of the title she won from Kathy Collins on September 11, 1998. Mellinger also holds the IFBA junior welterweight title, which will not be on the line versus Somers.

Mellinger, a well schooled boxer-puncher, has fought four former or current champions in amassing an impressive 9-3-1 record, with 2 knockouts. Six of these opponents were unbeaten when they entered the ring with Mellinger. But fighting against top competition or long odds doesn’t faze the champ, and neither does fighting a Belgian opponent on March 14, in Belgium. "I’m not worried. I know that the judges and other officials will do their jobs to the best of their abilities," says the 26 year old Mellinger. "I’m doing this not only so the world can know me, but so that another country can see women’s boxing at its highest level, and hopefully begin to support the sport. Plus, this is part of being a WORLD champion, going to other countries and fighting their best fighters."

And Somers does represent a tough challenge, as she is one of Belgium’s top female boxers. Sporting a record of 8-2, with 4 knockouts, Somers has earned her title shot by fighting the best, fighters like Zulfia Koutdoussova, Maria Nieves Garcia, and Belinda Laracuente. And fighting in front of her home fans should provide even more incentive for the 34 year old Somers.

And while Mellinger is not looking past Somers, the boxing world is well aware that 1999 will be a banner year for the IWBF / IFBA titlist. A Superfight with highly regarded Lucia Rijker looms on the horizon,but Leah has some unfinished business she would like to attend to first. "I want to avenge all of my losses. I avenged one already by beating Kathy Collins, and I’d like to avenge my loss to Jane Couch next." Couch decisioned Mellinger in 1997, and a rematch with the fiery Brit would certainly bring down whatever house is lucky enough to hold it.

But for now it’s Mellinger vs. Somers. 10 rounds. 20 minutes. One Champion.

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