By: Gabriel F. Cordero
Ibeth Zamora Silva was born on February 6, 1989, in San Cristóbal Huichochitlán, Toluca, Mexico. She won the WBA minimum weight class in 2009, the WBC light flyweight class in 2013, and the WBC flyweight class in 2018. She became the first Mexican woman to win world championships in three divisions, including eight consecutive WBC light flyweight title defenses and twenty women’s world championship fights.
“The Rock” Zamora had a professional career between 2007 and 2023 with a professional record of 33 wins (13 KOs) and 8 losses, facing champions such as Yesica Bop, Ava Knight, Anabel Ortiz, Esmeralda Moreno, Mari Ando, Yesica Nery, Ersuki Tada, Irma Sanchez, Naoko Shibata, Melissa McMorrow, Nina Radovanic, Marlen Esparza, and Kenia Enríquez, among others, in countries such as the United States, Panama, Uruguay, Japan, and Mexico.
This Tuesday, August 26th, in the city of Toluca, in the State of Mexico, a special tribute was paid to Ibeth “Roca” Zamora, highlighting her brilliant career in boxing.
A video shown during the ceremony reviewed her achievements and history in the ring throughout her 16-year professional career.
Zamora was very supportive and close to her late parents, Baltazar and Valentina, along with her sister, Caro, who also passed away, and her sisters, Liz, Edi, and Eli, who always supported her from the beginning, including attending fights. Her parents traveled to most of her fights in Mexico and accompanied her during her daily training sessions.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán spoke to recognize her legacy:
“What an honor to be in Toluca. We met La Roca as a child, and she became a great champion who paved the way for women’s boxing. The time has come to hang up her gloves, and she does so in an emotional way. For the World Boxing Council, Ibeth Zamora is an eternal champion.”
A mini-belt was also presented to Zamora’s trainer, Carlos Duarte, in recognition of her work. Roberto Díaz and Gabriel Cordero participated remotely via Zoom, offering special words to the champion.
Díaz expressed: “I was fortunate to work with you. You are a source of pride for Mexico and for those who know you. Today begins a new era. Be an inspiration to future generations.”
Cordero added: “She fought through many adversities inside and outside the ring; she is a true Mexican warrior. Very few took risks like her. Her contribution to women’s boxing and to Mexican women is extraordinary.”
As a symbol of this new chapter in her life, she was presented with a Tree of Life, in addition to a special recognition from the mayor of Toluca, Ricardo Moreno.
Moved, Zamora shared her feelings:
“Today I can say that dreams can be lived. At 15, I had the idea of becoming a boxer and a world champion. I tell future boxers that as women, and as Indigenous women, we have the right to live our dreams. Being a three-time world champion is an achievement I never thought I would achieve. Today, I officially say goodbye to boxing.”
Ibeth “The Rock” Zamora has all the attributes and requirements to seek a place in boxing immortality soon at the International Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.
