The last year and a half of undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner’s life can be best described as being filled with disorder, disarray and disruption, and she can’t help but get emotional when discussing the details of it.
Baumgardner tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug following her unanimous decision win against Christina Linardatou in July 2023. After being suspended and placed on probation, a lengthy investigation indicated she didn’t intentionally use banned substances and the ruling was overturned.
During the PED ordeal, Baumgardner’s father, Mario Guzman, who introduced her to boxing when she was eight, died at age 56. Additionally, Baumgardner had to deal with a stalker who has since been sentenced.
As she heads into the final fight of her Matchroom Boxing deal, the 30-year-old Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) is ready to turn the page on her life and career by getting back into the ring Friday against mandatory challenger Delfine Persoon (49-3, 19 KOs). The all-female Global Combat Collective card will stream for free on Brinx.TV and Fubo Sports and will take place at Lux Studios in Atlanta.
“I have the opportunity to come out with a great victory against a great opponent and make a statement and show the world why I can overcome,” Baumgardner told BoxingScene in an interview while holding back tears. “I have always been the underdog given the biggest challenges. I’m happy to be here and to just be in this position today and tell people, ‘I made it through.’”
Baumgardner had to fight tooth and nail in an attempt to save her reputation after testing positive for mesterolone and androsterone.
“I’m happy that the sanctioning bodies and commission were able to look at this thoroughly, because not everybody is cheating,” said Baumgardner. “I didn’t have to cheat to make it in life. I’ve always advocated for a clean sport and asked to be drug-tested.
“I was already judged, with the way my body is already set up, being a natural athlete with a natural build. I was already looked at as if I was already on PEDs. And I am also beating these girls at the highest levels. It felt like I already had a target on my back. I had to keep proving myself. When the adversity came with the PED test, I again overcame and showcased that I have always been a clean athlete.
“I’ve been able to keep my faith and believe in who I was and who I am as a person. God blesses those who are honest and understand the assignment. My calling is much bigger than boxing. Boxing is not my end-all be-all. It’s something I love to do, but it’s very challenging. Boxing has kept my mind sharp and focused.
“I’m in a fresh new skin. I’ve done a lot of inner reflection. I am happy. I am blessed. I am happy to fight against a great opponent in Delfine.”
Persoon, a 39-year-old former two-time lightweight titleholder from Belgium, will debut in the United States. Persoon is best known for her two fights and losses to Katie Taylor. In 2019, Persoon gave Taylor a tough tussle and suffered a razor-thin majority decision loss. The 2020 rematch was also close but resulted in a unanimous decision win for Taylor.
“She’s a great opponent and veteran in the sport,” said Baumgardner. “Everyone is looking at this fight and saying, ‘Who is Alycia Baumgardner?’ We’ve been at this stage before. It’s another fight to either get behind me or just keep talking about me.”
Baumgardner has boxed beautifully the previous two times she has been summoned for a showcase opportunity. In 2021, she enjoyed her breakthrough moment by knocking out Terri Harper in four rounds for a lightweight title and then unified the division in 2022 with a split decision win against Mikaela Mayer.
“Those wins changed my life because it showed diligence, discipline and dedication to my work,” said Baumgardner. “It’s going to be a great fight against Delfine. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. A lot of great things are happening amid what seems to be chaos. I can’t wait for people to see how much I have improved during this layoff. This is not just for me. This is for my dad. A win would be amazing for my family.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine and more. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
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