"Floyd welcomed me in with open arms. I don't know what you want to call it, but it was perfect timing for me to walk in the gym and have him walk me in the gym and say he has a new champion on TMT. Now, I don't know how much he is saying is true, but if what he says is what he does, then he would have the best female boxer in the USA right now...Mayweather Promotions and Ava Knight would be a great combination. Other promoters look at fighters like dollar signs, and yes, promoters need to make their money, but Floyd is interactive with his fighters. He stands by them and encourages them in the gym and with life. It is a huge goal to be a Champion for Mayweather Promotions, their first female Champion," stated two-division world champion Ava Knight, who talked about training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, the possibility of joining Mayweather Promotions, and much more. Check it out!
MR: You're based out of California. What brings you to Las Vegas?
AK: Las Vegas has become the capital for boxing. My coach moved here last year and has had a good experience with trainers and boxers. Boxing gyms are the one place anywhere you go where everyone is accepting, and so far in Las Vegas, I haven't had any type of negative vibe from anyone. I'm hoping also with all the activities around boxing and gyms, I can make a bigger name for Woman's Boxing.
MR: Have you had the opportunity to interact with Floyd Mayweather since training at his gym?
AK: The first day I came into the gym, Floyd welcomed me in with open arms. I don't know what you want to call it, but it was perfect timing for me to walk in the gym and have him walk me in the gym and say he has a new champion on TMT. Now, I don't know how much he is saying is true, but if what he says is what he does, then he would have the best female boxer in the USA right now. As for the gym, I have never been in a gym with so many hungry and motivated fighters. The feel in the gym when you walk in reads success, and I'm a part of it now.
MR: Has Floyd given you any words of encouragement and/or advice?
AK: Floyd came in and gave me some pointers on my technique and it was something little that I overlooked, but it gave me total understanding of why I was doing something wrong. He has been interactive with me when he sees me and always acknowledges me when he is there. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to him, but if I could, I would love for him to hear my story and the story of women fighters and the struggle.
MR: Is your goal to sign with Mayweather Promotions?
AK: Before I walked in the gym, I might have said I would sign with good opportunity, but since I've been in the gym, I think Mayweather Promotions and Ava Knight would be a great combination. Other promoters look at fighters like dollar signs, and yes, promoters need to make their money, but Floyd is interactive with his fighters. He stands by them and encourages them in the gym and with life. It is a huge goal to be a Champion for Mayweather Promotions, their first female Champion.
MR: I know that you have a good relationship with Andre Ward too. We see him shouting you out on Twitter. Tell us a little more about that relationship.
AK: Since moving to Oakland, California, Andre Ward has been supportive of me as a local fighter. He looked at me as a fighter, not a woman fighter, and he gave me the opportunity to be showcased on his card. Things didn't work out, but he stood by my side and supported me. Andre is a genuine person and being a champion himself out of Oakland, it felt great to get acknowledged by one of the current best fighters in the world.
MR: So you have pretty much the #1 and #the 2 pound-for-pound boxers in the world co-signing your skills. Why hasn't a promoter signed you? What will it take to get signed?
AK: I couldn't tell you why a promoter wouldn't want to sign the best female fighter in the United States that goes to Mexico and beats their best fighters, who fights the best competition, and has been one of the top ten female fighters for more than half of her short career. Any promoter could do great with a fighter like me, and with my motivation and dedication to what I do, I think it would be beneficial, especially with how great MMA is doing with their women. All we need is one good promoter to notice that women can bring the draw in.
MR: You've been known to go into hostile territory in Mexico, fight tough competition, and bring back the straps. How great would it be for you to fight on a major card here in the USA?
AK: To fight in the USA, on a big card, would be a huge accomplishment for me. I think if I fought on one, it would be a set up for more. The fans love my style, they love my attitude, and they love how humble I can be, but how deadly I can turn in the ring. Mexico has been great to me, they love boxing, but they are very proud of their fighters and fighting there is also fighting their country. When the USA finally gets a peek of Ava Knight, I think it will be a huge step forward for not only me, but boxing.