By George M. Phillips
Jen Childers is a world ranked light heavyweight boxer, successful promoter, model, mom, and a first class woman. Jen has had the squared circle in her blood since she was a little girl and that was evident when she played “Eye of the Tiger” at her first piano recital.
Jen is also an accomplished basketball star receiving a full scholarship to Murry State. She began her boxing career in 1984 and quickly became Golden Gloves Champion. The WBA awarded her “Prospect of the Year” in 1997 and she was the first woman to ever be honored with this award.
She has been featured on HBO’s “Real Sports”, Lifetime, and ESPN. Since then she has compiled an undefeated record and also has founded Childers Promotions. She is also a strong advocate for health/fitness and women’s rights. Jen is truly a remarkable woman and an inspiration to male and females alike.
BoxingScene’s George M. Phillips had the humble honor of talking to this remarkable woman.
BoxingScene.com: When did you begin boxing?
Jen Childers: I began boxing in 1994 to lose weight. I lost 100 pounds in two years and won the Golden Gloves in 1996, I turned pro later that year and went 7-0 (4 KO's).
BoxingScene.com: Have you always been a fight fan?
Jen Childers: I've always been a boxing fan but the real addiction didn't start until I was competing. I remember watching Ali's fights with my dad and uncles when I was six or seven. Ali was much more appealing than Sesame Street.
BoxingScene.com: What are your thoughts on women’s boxing?
Jen Childers: I love women’s boxing and the excitement they bring to the sport. I will always feature women on my fight cards; we can be more than round card girls!
BoxingScene.com: How do you feel about the various sanctioning bodies?
Jen Childers: There are too many sanctioning bodies.
BoxingScene.com: What are your hobbies and interests outside of the ring?
Jen Childers: Spending time with my daughter, Jaren, reading, writing, being with pals.
BoxingScene.com: Who are your role models and mentor’s?
Jen Childers: My dad was my role model. He was raised in an orphanage, had a tough life; went to Vietnam when he was 18. He was an excellent mechanic and began his own business in 1977 and was very successful. A good family man who made us all so proud....... Unfortunately he passed away at age 52.
BoxingScene.com: Talk to us about your website
Jen Childers: I discuss many issues from Health/Fitness to the difference in the sexes...to making the public aware of important issues and how their efforts can help, whether it be donating time or money or writing a letter for amnesty international.
BoxingScene.com: What are your future plans?
Jen Childers: Donating as much time and effort as possible to charitable causes, promoting boxing events and a few surprises
BoxingScene.com: Do you plan on fighting again? If so when?
Jen Childers: I'm fighting in November, in Indianapolis.
BoxingScene.com: Would you like to say anything to your fans?
Jen Childers: Thanks for the support and for donating your time and money to charitable causes like women for women international, amnesty international and The Red Cross. Click on thehungersite.com about 24,000 people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes. Three-fourths of the deaths are children under the age of 5..........We have it so good; please remember to help those less fortunate. :) Jen
