LONG BEACH, CALIF. (June 4, 2022): Two-division world champion Yokasta Valle (24-2, 9 KOs) was awarded the 2021 IBF Female Fighter of The Year Award last week during the organization’s 37th Annual Convention at the Westin in Long Beach, California. The current IBF Minimumweight World Champion was also awarded with the special IBF Gold Ring for having made three successful defenses of her title.
Valle is expected to make her United States debut in the near future. Details will be announced shortly.
“I want to thank the IBF very much for this great recognition,” said Yokasta Valle. “I want to also thank Mr. Anibal Miramontes, who was the one who got me ranked in order to fight for my first world title, which was at 102 pounds, atomweight. To be recognized as the best female boxer of the year makes me very happy. This award is not just for me. It’s also for Costa Rica, my sponsors, and my team. Without them I wouldn’t be the champion that I am, and we’ll be coming for much more.”
“I’m very delighted that the IBF has recognized Yokasta Valle for her outstanding work in the ring,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “She is one of the most active world champions in the sport, and she’s doing her part to break barriers for women in boxing. As her promoter, I am very proud, but there’s more work to do. We plan on taking her career to the next level this year. Stay tuned.”
Valle is a 29-year-old native of Costa Rica with tremendous international experience as she has fought in El Salvador, Japan, Germany, Panama, Spain and, of course, her come country. She made her professional debut in 2014 and remained undefeated through 11 bouts before defeating Ana Victoria Polo for the IBF Atomweight World Title.
In 2017, she moved up two divisions to face Naoko Fujioka for the WBO Light Flyweight World Title, and in 2018, she faced Tina Rupprecht the WBC Interim Minimumweight World Championship. Though the two aforementioned title bouts ended in losses for her, Valle bounced back with four victories in a row before challenging Joana Pastrana for the IBF title at 105 pounds. Valle has defended her belt four times, and is ready to make her debut in the United States this year.