We first met the outstanding student-athlete Deirdre Rhodes over four years ago, back when she was attending classes in both middle school and the boxing gym to help her once the bells sounded at local tournaments.
Her latest medal winning performance came recently at the USA Nationals and earned her a number two ranking nationally in the 125-pound featherweight division.
Last week I caught up with her and trainer Ron Harris at the West End Mt. Carmel Community Outreach Center for an update on her career and her plans as she prepares for senior year of high school and a fight calendar that includes the PAL National Championships in Texas.
It was my first visit to the facility, and I quickly spotted a smudged, throwback canvas heavy bag with Sugar Ray Leonard’s autograph blown up and scrawled across the front. The lights inside the converted basketball court slowly warmed and the cloudy space gradually brightened like daybreak on the city’s North Side.
Deirdre and her coach entered and started with a focus mitt session inside the elevated ring as pictures were snapped to capture the combinations.
During our interview, Rhodes talked about a future that will include military training as well as nursing school. She is currently working on her nursing certification at South Technical High School, in addition to her studies at Lindbergh High School.
She pointed out how disappointed she is with the recent ruling that women’s boxing will be included in the Olympics, but there will only be three weight classes. That would mean her 5’ 2” stature would be matched against much taller opposition melting down to fight at 132.
She said, “My coaches Ron and Keith have been working me hard and I want to thank them for that.”
Inspiration also comes from her teammate Anthony Lane, another standout student-athlete who passed away unexpectedly in May of 2008.
She said, “Anthony made me better. He was a big influence on me, and whatever I do in the ring, I do for him.”
Coach Harris added, “Deirdre has advanced to the elite level in the last two years.”
She’s obviously made an impression on USA Boxing, as evidenced by her high profile spot in their rankings, but it will soon be a rank of a different kind for Deirdre Rhodes as she makes the transition to Army life while studying for a second career.
Lamar Harris Travels South
Middleweight bruiser Lamar “The Prince of Pain” Harris was also at the Mt. Carmel Center putting in work for his test next Saturday night at Fitzgerald’s Casino in Tunica. Although he expressed his disappointment with the unanimous decision robbery he received at the hands of the hometown judges last month in Newark, New Jersey, he told me he is looking forward to his toughest bout yet against Shawn Porter (9-0).
Latimore Back This Weekend
Select tickets remain for the exciting Rumble Time card “It’s On” at the Chaifetz Arena this Saturday at 7 pm. Tickets for the event featuring Deandre “The Bull” Latimore start at just $10 and are available online at Metrotix.com or by calling (314)534-1111 & (314) 607-9850.
