Noriko Kariya


Noriko Ann Kariya is a Canadian professional female boxer.

Biography

Noriko Kariya grew up interested in becoming a hockey player. Her brothers, Steve Kariya, Martin Kariya, and Paul Kariya, whom she looked up to as a child, were professional hockey players. When Kariya moved to the United States to study at the University of Maine, she became a member of the women's field hockey team, and joined the local boxing gym to keep in shape.
Kariya's presence at the gym was difficult for the gym's other patrons; many felt uncomfortable with having a woman train next to them. Kariya did not feel welcome but came to love the sport of boxing and wanted to pursue it as a career. Kariya moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, where she began training with Mike Skowronski and Teddy Cruz, who have also worked with Arturo Gatti.
On May 2006, a photo of Kariya, with the nickname "Lady Bang", appeared on Ring Magazine. The nickname is a spin-off from her brother, Paul's, winning of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in both 1996 and 1997 for the most gentlemanly player of the year.

Amateur career

Noriko Kariya had ten amateur bouts, winning 9 and losing 1.

Professional career

Kariya debuted as a bantamweight fighter on May 29, 2005, beating Cindy Christian by a four round decision at Hull, Quebec. Her next fight, and her first professional bout outside of Canada, took place on August 19 of the same year. She defeated Camille Casson in Whippany, New Jersey by another four round decision.
On January 28, 2006, Kariya defeated Maria Contreras on points at Atlantic City, and on May 24, 2006, she fought the undefeated Amanda Knight in New York City. The bout was declared a draw after four rounds, and both women remained undefeated. On December 13, 2007, Kariya fought Salina Jordan at the Roseland Ballroom with a third round referee decision of Kariya being the outright winner. A punch at the end of the first round by Kariya broke Salina Jordan's cheekbone.
Kariya has 9 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw, with 2 knockout wins.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
13Loss9–3–1 Ava KnightKO5, 0:20Jul 31, 2008 Schuetzen Park, North Bergen, New Jersey, USA
12Win9–2–1 Jessica MohsUD5, 2:00Apr 30, 2008 River Rock Casino, Richmond, Canada
11Win8–2–1 Salina JordanTKO3, 0:28Dec 13, 2007 Roseland Ballroom, New York, USA
10Win7–2–1 Dawn ReynoldsUD4, 2:00Oct 18, 2007 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, USA
9Loss6–2–1 Eileen OlszewskiSD6, 2:00Feb 17, 2007 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, USA
8Win6–1–1 Elisha OlivasUD6, 2:00Nov 15, 2006 The Grand Ballroom, New York, USA
7Win5–1–1 Michelle HerronUD4, 2:00Aug 5, 2006 Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
6Win4–1–1 Kerri HillTKO3, 1:07Jun 10, 2006 Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
5Draw3–1–1 Amanda KnightPTS4, 2:00May 24, 2006 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, USA
4Loss3–1 Suzannah WarnerMD4, 2:00Mar 18, 2006 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
3Win3–0 Maria ContrerasUD4, 2:00Jan 28, 2006 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
2Win2–0 Camille CassonUD4, 2:00Aug 19, 2005 Hanover Marriott, Whippany, USA
1Win1–0 Cindy ChristianMD4, 2:00May 28, 2005 Casino Lac Leamy, Hull, Canada