4/26/07 - Tom Dodgewww.keeppunching.com  She is more than ready to get back in the ring. Kasha Chamblin returns May 12th at the Paragon Casino Resort as part of the Redemption or Retirement card that also features Juan de la Rosa battling Mikel Williams and co main event Bobby Aucoin putting his undefeated record on the line. It is Chamblin’s first fight since Dec. 3, 2006 when she lost a close decision to undefeated Women’s IBF featherweight champion Ina Menzer in Berlin, Germany. Add the two month recovery time from a thumb injury and Chamblin has had plenty of time to think about her last fight. “I am ready to get back in there,” she said. “I don’t care who it is against.” Former football star Bo Jackson had baseball as a hobby, Chamblin has boxing. Chamblin, 28, is a wife, a mother, a student and also works a full time job at a Lafayette law office – but still works hard as a boxer – competing this time as a super bantamweight (122 pounds). She has been married to Marine Joshua Chamblin for 10 years and have nurtured a 13-year relationship. They have a seven year old son – Gabriel Joshua. “This part time for me - something I do on the side, just for fun,” she said. “I work full-time, I go to school, my son is in little league and I am rushing to get it all done. “Boxing is just a passion for me.” A graduate of Acadiana High, Chamblin served eight years in the Marine Corps, including enduring combat training and was the first female to teach combat training in the Marines. “The instant willing obedience to orders is the premise for any sport,” Chamblin said is one of the things she holds on to as a former marine. “I have an unwavering trust in what Beau tells me.” Chamblin only had one fight as an amateur, winning the Gulf States championship and then moved up to the professional ranks – compiling an 8-0 record in her quick start. Chamblin was undefeated heading into the bout against Menzer and had her chances against the champion before being knocked down in the eighth round and the referee stopped the fight. “I won a round and lost a round,” she explained. “We were tied after the seventh round. We were trading lick for lick in the eighth round – we both threw a left hook and while my left hand was down she came over the top with a straight right hand and caught me. “I went down for the first time in my career,” Chamblin continued. “I was up for the six count and was ready to go for my turn. He finished his count and then called it off. “I feel my record may have suffered a loss but I had not been beaten,” she continued. I fought really tough against and a champion and I was a little down coming home without the belt. “ “All three judges had the bout heading into the eighth round scored four rounds for Menzer, two for Kasha and one even,” Beau Williford said of the fight. “I thought we had without a doubt won the first round, but all three judges called it even.” Chamblin (8-1) faced her toughest opponent and did very well in spite of the loss, Williford said. Now she is part of the card that opens boxing at the new Mari Center at the Paragon. “It is always exciting to box at the Paragon,” Williford said of the upcoming bout. “This will be Kasha’s third fight there. She has a great following over there and we have a great time.” Williford said Kasha’s biggest attributes are found inside her, not just in her boxing skills. “She has great determination and a strong will to win,” he said. “She has great confidence in herself. “She is a good sound boxer and she does everything better than average, but what she does great is her will to win.” Chamblin said she is ready for the return and wants to showcase her talent. To get tickets for the fights at the Mari Center at the Paragon Casino Resort go to www.paragoncasinoresort.com or call 1.800.WIN.1.WIN. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ringside seats are 100 while available, general admission is 40. 
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