Contributed
"Competition aside, boxing is a great exercise and it does wonders for your physique,"Jody-Ann Weller says.

Barbara Nelson, Contributor

She is a scientist; she plays the violin and speaks in a gentle, beautifully-modulated voice. But, she packs a powerful punch.

She is now nationally ranked number one in the featherweight division, as per U.S.A. Boxing, the national governing body of amateur, Olympic-style boxing. She hopes that one day soon she will represent the U.S., or Jamaica, in an international competition.

Jody-Ann Weller was born in Ensom City, Jamaica, but before she was able to start going to school here her family relocated to the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York in the United States.

She says: "After graduating from college I began boxing recreationally at 21. Even though I was thin, I knew that I could be in better shape. I had heard that boxing was an excellent way to get in shape, but never dreamed that I would excel in the sport. I did not consider myself to be an athlete - I am a scientist and play the violin - I would've never imagined that boxing would become my passion."

But, it did become her passion. Her sister Tammy, her supporter and her biggest fan joined Jody-Ann on the journey to the Trinity Boxing Club in lower Manhattan to seek out Martin Snow, amateur boxing coach and conditioning specialist. Martin promised to whip them into shape.

Shifted focus

Jody continued: "Under Martin's tutelage, I gained a love and respect for boxing; subsequently my focus shifted from recreational to competitive, amateur boxing. Since then, I have relocated to the Hudson Valley, and have been fortunate enough to find my current coach, Luigi Olcese."

Luigi has been an incredible force in her development through the amateur ranks where she is now nationally ranked No.1 in the featherweight division, according to USA Boxing.

But, let's look at Jody-Ann the scientist. She earned her B.Sc. in Microbiology/Immunology from the University of Rochester, in Rochester, New York, a highly-regarded, research-oriented institution. During her undergraduate studies at the private, co-educational university she worked in an immunology lab focusing on lupus.

She now works at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals with "an amazing group of scientists, leaders in the antibody field," to generate antibodies for drug development to help fill unmet medical needs.

But, has boxing helped Jody-Ann in any way? She says "yes, definitely". But how? She explains the seeming dichotomy in her life.

"When I step through the ropes for competition, I have to command the respect of the judges, and my opponent, initially through my presence - a confidence that is gained through preparation," she explained. "This presence has helped me professionally to command respect in my field, whether it's presenting data during a lab meeting or asserting my ideas for a project."

"Boxing has also helped to strengthen my resolve," she continued. "When a bout gets tough, or sparring feels like war, I have to constantly dig deep and stay focused to reach success. I have the confidence that I can accomplish anything, and overcome any obstacle that may block my path."

Travelling

Jody-Ann has to do a fair amount of traveling to different locations throughout the United States as boxing tournaments are held at different locations in the U.S. She is committed to boxing in all of the national ranking tournaments.

Last year she travelled to Colorado for the U.S. Championships; Florida for the Women's National Golden Gloves and California for the National PAL Championships.

She says it is a sacrifice, as she currently funds all her training and travel. But she does not intend to allow the finances to stop her from maintaining her current national ranking and hopes to one day soon represent the U.S. or Jamaica in international competition.

"What are some of the special moments in your amateur boxing career?" I asked Jody-Ann.

"Two special moments come to mind," she replied. "First, winning the National PAL championships with my first and current coaches working my corner together and receiving the Outstanding Boxer Award for that performance."

"The second is," she continued, "after sustaining a serious injury in the semi-finals of the Women's National Golden Gloves 2006, I underwent extensive surgery and rehab and returned to the ring exactly one year later to win the 2007 National Golden Gloves against the defending national champion."

"Do you think many other women should become interested in boxing?" I asked.

"Definitely!" she said.

"Why?"

"Competition aside," she said, "boxing is great exercise and it does wonders for your physique. Whether your goal is to shed a few pounds, tighten up your waistline, or learn self-defence, boxing is a great solution. Being able to put together some combinations gives added confidence and makes you walk a little taller."

Jody-Ann has some goals that she wants to achieve. She explained: "In the Olympics, boxing is the only sport, with a male counterpart, in which females are not allowed to compete. My goal as an amateur boxer is to perform my personal best, hopefully inspiring others through great performances. I want to serve as an example of why women's boxing should be a sport in the Olympics."