Female title fight on Mosley-Mora undercard
Watch history unfold tonight, September 18, as female fighter Kaliesha West (12-1-2, 3 KOs) goes toe to toe against Angel Gladney (6-2-1, 5 KOs) on the undercard of “200: Celebrate and Dominate” Mosley vs. Mora” taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
This Golden Boy Promotions marks the very first time that a championship bout of this caliber and opportunity will be fought. The women will be slugging it out for the vacant WBO Female Bantamweight Championship. For West, at just 22 years old, it would seem 
like the weight of the female boxing world is riding on her slim but sturdy shoulders. But this girl is staying true to herself; humble, determined, unaffected by all this additional worldwide attention that has been cast her way as anticipation built toward tonight’s matchup.
I met Kaliesha years ago while she was just a young teen selling raffle tickets for her local boxing club at her father Juan West’s amateur show. Back then, she was sweet, polite, friendly and funny. Today she remains that same sweet, polite, friendly and funny girl. And she’s not afraid to show her fun and sillier side that her legions of fans, both in the U.S. and internationally, have come to love.
What’s not to love about this fresh face of boxing? Even for the hardcore old-school, male dominated boxing fans, Kaliesha earns respect with her drive, ambition and work ethic in the ring. With her olive complexion, silky tresses and bright smile that is a product of her exotic mixed heritage, she may initially command attention from her looks alone from a hearty contingent of male admirers. But don’t let those good looks fool you. If you do, you’re the only fool.
Once she laces up, she gets it done in the ring. Yes, she just may happen to be feminine (thanks for noticing!) but she’s also Fierce and Focused with a capital F. This heavy-fisted golden girl has had over 100 amateur fights and as a pro has also fought in high-profile undercards as a popular draw at many Southland Indian gaming establishments including Agua Caliente, Pechanga, Morongo, Fantasy Springs and San Manuel. Her corp of loyal fans have followed her career along the way and can be seen at her fights wearing “Wild Wild West” T-shirts and waving signs of support for the Moreno Valley resident.
What makes this bantamweight stand out from all the rest?
One reason why she has such a large number of both new and loyal followers is, obviously, because of her talent, skills and work ethic inside the ropes. Another reason just may be because she’s got that “X” factor going for her too. I’ve seen her at various fights or boxing events around town and she’s literally a magnet for people. From strangers to fellow fighters to promoters all around, they gravitate toward this naturally charismatic young lady. At last month’s Thompson Boxing card, Team West was sitting ringside and the 5′ 4″ dynamo received a constant stream of well wishers who wanted an autograph or a photo with her. Always smiling, Kaliesha was upbeat and engaging with each and every individual.
No diva behavior here, if ever.
I later caught up with the female sharp shooter and her corner at the recent media workout at Sergio Mora’s gym. Kay was posing for a throng of photographers and was giving them her best serious “game face.” I walked toward the area to say hello and tucked behind a boxing pal, Big Joe Miranda, who just happens to be one of the best photographers in the business. I stayed behind Big Joe’s left side as not to distract Kaliesha from her steely gaze for the flashbulbs. Ever alert, the girl still noticed me trying to stay low-key and respectful until the cameras stopped clicking. But she saw me and gave me a huge grin and started giggling. “Hey, who told you to smile?” teased Big Joe, unaware that I was tucked behind his left side. He turned and saw me as Kay started laughing again with 
another big smile, giving me a quick wave. Our photog friend had to laugh too as these days, the girl can’t help but smile.
But again, she’s not an unapproachable diva. The unspoiled boxer works for what she’s earned. Yes, she’s a fun-loving down-to-earth gal but has worked and trained hard to earn a successful career in prizefighting and appreciates this weekend’s marquee opportunity. And as the spotlight shines on her tonight, she has earned and paid her dues for this history-making matchup. And even though this bout is scheduled on the non-televised portion of the HBO PPV card, she and her camp are happy to be able to showcase West’s moves in the squared circle.
And this cutie pie is a cutie in the ring too who was born to box. Her dad and trainer, Juan West, is a former fighter himself. After moving from South Haven, Michigan, they took residence in Southern California where they currently train in Riverside at the Capital Punishment gym. “She began boxing at ten years old,” recalls her Pops, as we watch his agile daughter at the workout. “Then after just four months, I put her in the JOs (Junior Olympics) and she won–she won by a KO!” A born athlete, he proudly raves: “Kaliesha is not just skillful; she’s physically gifted. Her grandma was in the Olympics; Lillian James was a track star from the south side of Chicago.”
After the amateurs and since turning pro, this new ring queen keeps turning heads and she turns on the heat that her foes can’t help but notice. Fighting in Peru this past June, West scored a TKO against Vannessa Guimaraes in the fifth round. And in March, she was awarded a draw against Anita Christensen–in her opponent’s native country of Denmark.
After the draw, Team West was mindful of the “hometown cooking” decisions. “So she handled her business in Peru. Our goal is to stop them–not just to beat them!” her father, whom she resembles, explains. What is he looking forward to the most after tonight’s bout? “Celebrating after we win that belt!” he replies with a smile. I again saw Juan just last night at the Thompson Boxing event where one of his fighters, Jose Reynoso won his main event battle against Hector Serrano. After the fights, I ran into him and as he greeted me, West echoed that his baby girl is ready for the big fight tonight.
I also chatted with another integral component to Team West, businesswoman, PR manager and advisor Claudia Ollis. Another head turner, Ollis is also a whip-smart, well-spoken force, who’s quickly getting recognition and respect for what she tells me is her goal and “global movement” in bring women’s boxing to the forefront. There are those who dismiss “girl fights.”
For those who don’t think that the fairer sex belongs in the blood sport, Ollis is on a one-woman mission to change people’s minds and change the face of boxing! The pretty entrepreneur has taken a strong stance and is prepared to change minds and change history along the way–and ready to take on anyone who steps in her way.
“This is just fantastic; she’s showing the world and the fans the abilities of female pro athletes,” Claudia says of the West-Gladney bout bringing more exposure to women’s boxing. “They are explosive athletes! Just give them–all female–the opportunity. This is a step in the right direction for ALL females. This is huge and we’re very grateful to Golden Boy; they’re very gracious for this opportunity given to my fighter!”
The dynamic duo of West and Ollis hope to continue on this road. A few days after the public workout, I had some time to chat with Kaliesha herself as she prepped for this L.A. showdown.
“How long have you been at Capital Punishment and who are your main trainers?” I asked her as we talked about how training camp’s been going.
“I’ve been there for three years,” she answered in that trademark slightly husky voice of hers. “My trainers are my dad, Juan West, Ruben Castanon and Charlie Perez.”
Seeing this West Coast whirlwind through the years, I notice again that since her pro debut, she has still managed to maintaining that sense of normalcy, just like any other young woman her age. She loves her family and her young siblings, her friends, shopping, rap music, hangin’ out with her gal pals, playing video games, Facebooking and texting. Already a role model to little girls around the globe, she is also spiritual in her faith and is attending college. And just like any other young adult, while she’s also college student, this beauty who sports braces even holds down a part-time job while still training in the gym! Again, you won’t find any attitude from this humble chica.
“So you really are you still working part-time while boxing?” I confirm.
“Yes!” she answers. “And it takes its toll with this heat! I work outside…”
Addressing all the anticipation of the female title fight, I inquire, “What makes you the most excited and proud about your September 18th fight?”
“I’m representing women’s boxing in general. Making history for women’s boxing is huge as the first female title fight at Staples center with Golden Boy Promotions!” she enthusiastically states. “I feel it’s just the beginning of a long road to success in the sport. This one’s for the people–and all female fighters–and when I defend my title, that will be for myself.”
“One more, Kaliesha…Please finish this sentence: “The best thing about being a boxer is…”
West says, “The best thing about being a boxer is being around a boxing environment, meeting the different personalities in the sport, and learning something new about the science after every great experience!
“Thanks again, Kaliesha! Any shout outs for the fans?” I offer.
“Thank you!” the always-smiling powerhouse replies. “I’m looking forward to all my friends, family and friends going down to the Staples to support me and my team. I’m truly blessed and God willing I’m going out there for that title! Thank you to all who support me!!!”
And at yesterday’s weigh in, that smile was put on hold as she got her gamer back on. With a fixed steely gaze aimed at her opposition, Kaliesha West is ready to make history.
And if victory is hers tonight, expect that megawatt smile to continue to shine non-stop.
See you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong; Weigh-In photo by Marlene Marquez; Team West photo by Ray Flores