Introduction
Melody Popravak is a professional boxer fighting out of Atlanta, GA. She holds a professional record of 2-2-1, with one win by the way of knockout. She is signed with Eruption Boxing and managed by Gwen Legge. Melody is ranked #6 welterweight in the US and #41 in the world by BoxRec. Though she started boxing later in life, Melody is looking forward to continued success in the ring and making her debut at welterweight, after starting out her career as a middleweight. She also hopes to build her own business in boxing, once her fighting career is over.
Q&A
FightMatrix: Will you please tell us about your upbringing? Did you grow up in Illinois or did you grow up in Georgia?
Melody Popravak: Although I was born in Chicago, I grew up in Fort Myers, FL, then moved to New York City in my early 20’s, where I later found boxing!
FM: At what age did you begin boxing and what made you interested in the sport?
MP: Age 33. I actually started running to lose weight, but I went to the boxing gym with my friend in Fort Myers while visiting, who let me throw punches at him. I was hooked from there. I have always been interested in boxing but went for all the other sports. As I grew older-it was time to try what I always wanted to do! As a woman it’s not the first recommendation to become a boxer, or it wasn’t in my world.
FM: It’s impressive that you placed fourth in the Olympic trials in the Middleweight division, for the United States! That’s quite an achievement. What was going through your mind during that time period?
MP: I was quite anxious during that period because that was my first year of competition. I really needed to learn to stop and smell the roses, and appreciate my achievement. Bless my trainers at that time lol. However, I imagine my pushiness to learn the sport played a part in going that far…
FM: I’m certain that boxing has instilled certain values in your life. What life lessons and experiences have you taken away from learning how to box?
MP: I can’t say enough about how boxing has formed me into a better woman, business person, humanitarian…all of the above. The micro challenges in boxing are there to practice for the macro challenges of life, and I greatly appreciate that.
FM: What advice would you give a female boxer starting her career?
MP: Above all, trust your own instincts first! Nobody knows you like- you! Also, demand a quality of training from yourself and then accordingly the members on your team. In any sport, striving for improvement is key.
FM: How did it feel to win your first professional boxing bout?
MP: That was my most special fight because my Dad was there. He passed shortly after, and it was the only fight he ever saw in person. The look of pride that I remember on his face was everything.
FM: Who do you consider as the best boxer(s) of all time? What is the reasoning for this?
MP: Sugar Ray Robinson. We didn’t know half as much about science back then, and the longevity of his career alone, what a tough man! He could fight on the inside, outside, his jab was beautiful…I could go on and on lol.
FM: How frequently do you train per week?
MP: Boxing 4 days per week, Roadwork 5 days per week currently, and Cross Training 2-3 times a week.
FM: What does the typical training session look like for you?
MP: It varies but I love to be in the ring, whether drills or sparring. It’s all ring experience, and needed, since I started boxing “late” in life.
FM: What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
MP: My short term goal is to make my debut at welterweight. I am very excited because this is the weight I’ve always wanted to fight at, in the professionals. My long term goal is a world title, but equally as important, to build my own business in boxing. I want the opportunity to continue to do what I love!
FM: Is there anything else that you would like boxing fans, and people reading this interview to know about you?
MP: I would tell them it’s never too late to redirect your life, and to be able to do something that brings you fulfillment. Don’t give up!
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.