'My dream is to be world champion'

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12: Jennifer Salinas is a head turner in more ways than one.

Nicknamed “The Bolivian Queen” in part for her stunning good looks, Salinas’ punches have sprawled more a few opponents to the canvas in the boxing ring.

Saturday night she will be taking on American Karen Dulin in a featherweight bout that is featured on the undercard of the All or Nothing event happening at the Fairmont Southampton.

Salinas, who is based out of the United States, met with Bolivia president Evo Morales in August as she aims to become the world champion.

She said: “I’m hoping for a title fight in Bolivia, my country sometime next year.

“I’m very proud. I feel very blessed, I had a meeting with the president of my country a few weeks ago and he’s offered his help and support for the big project we’re trying to put together in fighting for a title for Bolivia in Bolivia.

I have a lot of support behind me and I am very excited that I am able to do this.

“I love boxing and my dream is to fight for a title and be a world champion one day.

“I enjoy fighting, I enjoy the discipline that boxing gives me. But more than anything being the only female professional fighter that represents Bolivia is part of God’s plan in my life to put Bolivia on the map in boxing.”

Salinas figures a couple of more wins under her belt will help her close in on that goal.

That starts Saturday night against Dulin.

Salinas said: “I just know she’s a very tough girl. She’s always in shape. She can fight. She goes the distance and she’s very tough. She’s never been stopped, never been dropped and never been give an eight count before.

“She’s fought very tough girls. I’ve trained hard and I’m ready to bring it to her just like I do for all my fights.”

The Bolivian is appreciative to be fighting in Bermuda.

“Boxing has provided a lot of good opportunities when it comes to travel. I never thought in a million years that I would come to Bermuda. I’m excited to be here.

“I take my job very seriously. I respect all the time my trainer puts into me. I wouldn’t go into the ring to just collect a cheque or for the exposure. I do train hard. My days are very long and my nights are extremely short.”

The doors open at 7pm with fights starting at 8pm.