WITH JAYLA ORTIZ
***image1***
SFR: What first drew you into boxing?
JO:
My dad did it and so did my grandpa. I think it was just in the blood [laughs].
What was the hardest part about becoming a boxer?
Having my parents accept it because they didn't really want me to do it. My dad said it wasn't for girls.
How has women's boxing changed since you first started-as a sophomore at Capital High-more than 10 years ago?
It's changed a lot. When I was an amateur, I only had 12 fights in three or four years. By that time most guys have close to 100 fights. That's why I didn't wait around and went straight to the pros. Now I go to the amateur fights and I see girls who've only been into it for a year and they already have 20-some fights.
Do the male boxers treat you any different?
Not really. I've always gotten a lot of respect but I've seen girls out there that have been disrespected; where the guys just push them to the side. The only real difference I've seen is that most trainers back then wouldn't train girls. That's changed a lot.
What would you say to a teenager who's interested in boxing?
I would give them encouraging words. I would tell them that, if they want to be serious about it, they need to stick to it and not make some of the same mistakes I have…It all comes down to dedication.
How tough is it to juggle work, school and a boxing career?
It's hard. There are some days when I'll come in [to the gym]-days when I'm really tired-when it's really hard. But it keeps me busy and I like being busy.
Are there any boxing lessons you can take away from working at the County Clerk's Office, other than learning to restrain yourself from hitting people?
[Laughs] That's probably about the only one. No, I just go to work. It's a job and I treat it as a job. But I'm pretty close with the county clerk so if she's acting up one day I can bring her down here [to the gym].
Is there a friendly rivalry between you and (coworker and boxer) Monica Lovato?
I think the only rivalry we have is management and that's nothing really big. We're cool. We talk with each other at work, but we don't talk about boxing. She does her thing and I do my thing. She supports me and I support her.
Who's your favorite boxer?
Roy Jones, Jr. He's always been my favorite.
What's the best boxing movie of all time?
I would say the Muhammad Ali one [
Ali
with Will Smith] and then the one where the guy was poor and fought his way back up.
Cinderella Man
, that's it. I would say that one first and then the one with Muhammad Ali.
Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee; what would you compare your fighting style to?
[Laughs] I don't know. I'm quick. I'm always on the go. I'm always moving around but then I'll slip in those shots that will ring some bells.
I hear your opponents get frustrated with all that dancing around.
Yeah, they do. You know the cartoon with the roadrunner where the coyote is always getting frustrated? It's kind of like that.
What's the best boxing nickname you've ever had?
The one I have always had is Ojitos Verdes-"Green Eyes"-that's how most people remember me. I've stuck with that one because people seem to know it.
What do you do to motivate yourself before a fight?
I usually listen to a lot of hip-hop. I like that [Three Six Mafia] song about poppin' my collar [laughs]. That's a good one. I listen to songs that will keep me up, keep me motivated. I don't listen to slow songs. I make sure I'm up the whole time. But I'm real quiet. I'll just sit there, relax, listen to music and stay focused.
It's been almost a year since your last fight; are you excited to get back in the ring?
Yeah, I am excited. It's been a while since I've fought but we're not taking anything for granted with [LeAnne Villareal]. She can hit and she doesn't give up. One punch from her and she can knock me out. That's the way it goes, anyone can have a good night or a bad night.
Is it more exciting or nerve-wrecking fighting in Santa Fe?
I think it's both more nerve-wracking and exciting because I have to go out and prove myself in front of my hometown.
Want to make any predictions for the fight?
I'm gonna win. I'm determined to win. One of my goals is to get a [championship] belt and this is a chance to do that…But, either way, we're going to give people a show. If you want to support me you can come and watch me win or if you hate me you can at least go and watch me get hit.
Jayla Ortiz fights LeAnne Villareal for the NABC World Super Featherweight title on May 5 at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. Tickets on sale at the Chavez Center; call 955-4001.
