Catching up with “The Knockout”!
Female fighter Mia St. John has never been one to rest on her laurels.
Since the boxing beauty always has new and innovative plans in the works, I always enjoy catching up with the former WBC International Female Lightweight Champion. While covering last week’s Manny Pacquiao–Juan Manuel Marquez news conference in Beverly Hills, I greeted Mia during a break in the action.
With her was business dynamo and female boxing promoter Claudia Ollis. The pair are in the midst of trying to book a rematch against the comebacking Christy Martin. While talks are still continuing, fans will have to wait and see whether the two women will meet once again inside the ropes.
“I’m working hard doing all I can to make the rematch happen,” confirms the Orange County-based Ollis. “We’re hopeful that this rematch happens!”
This December it will be nine years since St. John and Martin faced off. Apparently, both want the fireworks to resume but as it often goes in boxing, getting a deal and getting contracts signed is a big part of the battle. But Team St. John stays optimistic in regards to trading leather once again with “The Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
“The talks are going well,” Mia, known as “The Knockout,” tells me. “But as always in boxing, it has to make business sense for all parties.”
Undaunted, St. John (46-11-2, 18 KOs) continues to persevere.
Aside from boxing, the beautiful Latina is also an author and a hard-working activist involved in numerous charitable events, including her own nonprofit foundation “El Saber es Poder.” She’s also a spokeswoman for mental health issues, after bravely coming forth with her own share of mental illness which I wrote about in one of my earlier in-depth interviews with the fighter. The pretty pugilist and Playboy model is also a fan favorite. She will be appearing at the October 1 “Sign of the Times” show at the LAX Marriott where fans can meet the popular knockout. This L.A. collectibles and memorabilia event will showcase female star athletes, actresses and models.
And this weekend, while catching up once again with the raven-haired boxer about the status of the Christy Martin rematch, Mia had even more exciting– and important–news to share–she was in Washington, DC for a very special event!
Mia is taking the nation’s capital by storm, just one day after the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies.
There’s an old classic film called “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”
Perhaps the 2011 version can be renamed “Ms. St. John Goes to Washington” as the fierce female slugger travels to Capitol Hill. She will be speaking at Wednesday’s prestigious Congressional Summit. Over the weekend, Mia and her daughter Paris St. John arrived in DC–check out this photo of the gorgeous duo with the legendary U.S. Capitol in view.
Not just a pretty face, the L.A. fighter has taken a strong stance in fighting for causes she firmly believes in.
“I am speaking at the Summit in DC on behalf of Congresswoman (Grace) Napolitano’s Mental Health in Schools Act for the Hispanic Caucus,” Mia shares. “I spoke in Congress a few months ago on the Bill, which did not make it through the House of Republicans, of course.”
St. John has rebounded from numerous health issues of her own, and she remains a strong advocate in this matter. Her son, Julian St. John suffers from Schizophrenia, so 
combatting mental illness will always be near and dear to her heart. She is hoping this congressional event will fuel the fire to get the bill passed in the future.
“It’s a Bill I am so passionate about, not only because of my own history of mental health issues, but my son’s as well,” a fiery St. John tells me. “It’s absurd to think we don’t need mental health in schools when we have Health 101, Physical Education, etc. And what do most teens suffer from? Depression and anxiety! It’s appalling.”
So this Wednesday September 14, St. John will be attending the 34th Annual Awards Gala with special guests President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, this is known as the largest gathering for the Latino leaders in the community. “Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership” is this year’s focus during this three-day political extravaganza.
First Lady Michelle Obama will be speaking, as well as Mia St. John. The boxer will be focusing her talk on the Mental Health in Schools Act.
Her comadre Claudia Ollis is impressed by Mia’s vision, focus and fearlessness in facing the nation.
“I’m very proud of Mia, who will be speaking at this Congressional Hispanic Caucus. She was at the kickoff dinner last night,” Claudia says in our phone conversation this morning. “And for the President of the United States and the First Lady to attend and speak on behalf of Latinos is amazing!”
Being a female and being a minority can also present various challenges, which Ollis also takes notice–and takes pride in.
“She does great things outside the ring too! And it’s so powerful when Latina women can reach these heights,” the “Bad Chick” entrepreneur comments. “Never underestimate the power of a woman–especially Latina women!”
Mia St. John will be a powerful speaker this week on Capitol Hill.
For more info: www.CHCI.org
Photos by Michele Chong and Mia St. John