Blackshear vs. Sidoroff – – ESPN2 Story by Sue TL Fox

The Margaret Sidoroff  (108) vs. Jolene Blackshear (111) fight was considered by most— the best fight on the televised portion of ESPN2. (Three undercard fights that were very exciting did not make it on television).

There was no loser in this fight—the reason why I say this is because women’s boxing needed a real shot in the arm after the recent debacles of mixed matches, mismatches, and famous daughter matches.

Margaret Sideroff won by a unanimous decision, and as an observer,  it appeared that Sideroff wanted the belt more than Blackshear.  Both fighters having their own attributes that they brought to the ring with superior skills are truly two of the best flyweights in the world today.

Many boxing fans have waited a long time for this match to take place, and Sidoroff or Blackshear did not disappointed them.  Jolene Blackshear had been out of the ring for about 17 months, but she was non-stop for all 10 rounds against Sidoroff.

In the first three rounds, Blackshear aggressively tagged Sidoroff. Then Sidoroff appeared to change her tactics and her counter-punching was very effective.  Sidoroff would shift her body and throw clean shots as Blackshear tried to cut the ring to pin Sidoroff on the ropes.  As Blackshear’s trainer/manager Herb Coty told me after the fight, “After the fourth round I told Jolene to stop the bullsh….and have a good time.”.  Coty said that he felt that would help her loosen up.

The fight was non-stop for 10 action-packed rounds. As the fighters awaited the decision–one side of the crowd yelled, “Margaret, Margaret, Margaret.  The other side of the ring, the crowd countered with,  “USA, USA, USA.”  The scores were announced 98-92, 98-92, 97-93 for Sidoroff.

Boxing fans could ask for no more than that, and women’s boxing walked away being a winner that night after these two women showed the world what the sport is all about.

Some interesting comments from boxing fans, fighters, trainers, and others……

I heard Jolene and Margaret did women’s boxing proud good for them!!! Jane Couch

The Sideroff-Blackshear battle was a classic, and had to give women’s boxing a big shot in the arm, especially since it was carried on ESPN2…and Teddy Atlas enthusiastic commentary was a major plus. David – Laracuente’s trainer

Jolene and Margaret, thank you.  I knew the match between you would be special and boy was it.  That is what boxing is all about.  U go at it giving the best you got and the best one wins.  there was no true loser tonight.  Margaret walked out with the belt, but she knew she was in a fight.  Jolene may have lost the belt, but she is still one hell of a fighter and I am putting this in for fight of the year. Ferg

If Blackshear-Zamorron were fight of the Century…the Blackshear-Sideroff fight is my early vote for FIGHT OF 2000! Bob M.