(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Natasha Spence Shines in Career-Reviving Victory Over Maricela Cornejo
Natasha Spence, often known for helping elevate the careers of her opponents, enjoyed her own moment in the spotlight on Friday night in Toppenish, Washington.
In the six-round middleweight main event at Legends Casino Hotel — right in Maricela Cornejo’s home region — the 40-year-old Spence delivered an inspiring performance, winning by unanimous decision and showcasing her determination to succeed even at a stage when most fighters have stepped away from the sport.
The official scorecards were not immediately announced, but the result marked a major turnaround for Spence. Coming into the bout, the Cambridge, Ontario native had endured a challenging run, going winless in her previous seven fights (0-6-1) against opponents with a combined record of 67-7-3.
“It feels amazing. This has been a long time coming,” Spence said after the fight. “I worked extremely hard for this and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”
The final two rounds brought intense exchanges and high drama. In the fifth, after a brief clinch and a referee warning, Spence landed a sharp jab that caught Cornejo’s attention. Cornejo responded with a powerful right hand that momentarily staggered Spence, followed by more heavy shots.
In the sixth and final round, Cornejo kept pressing with strong right hands, but Spence answered with crisp lefts and effective body work, making the frame a close one. While the action was sometimes scrappy, the intensity and determination from both fighters kept the crowd engaged until the final bell.
Cornejo, now 19-8 (7 KOs), based in Los Angeles but originally from Prosser, Washington, remained competitive throughout, but the night belonged to Spence, who is now 9-8-2 (6 KOs).
Addressing the audience afterward, Spence said: “I know some people might see it differently, and that’s part of boxing. If you want us to do it again, I’m ready for a rematch anytime.”
