For someone who, in her own words, "eats, sleeps, and shits boxing," the politics of boxing that Melissa "Hurricane" Hernandez has been dealing with is leaving an unbearable stench in her system. Despite the periods of inactivity for the three-time female champion, the Bronx resident continues the daily two-hour train commute to Brooklyn's famed Gleason's Gym while she awaits word on her next bout. Until recently, a matchup that always made sense to her was a clash with fellow Gleason's Gym fighter Maureen "The Real Million Dollar Baby" Shea, but Shea's recent TKO loss to Kina Malpartida now has Hernandez targeting her conquerer.
"I'll fight anyone from 126-130," she confidently stated. "I would be back in the ring tomorrow if I could. She (Maureen) had excuse after excuse. I think Malpartida would fight me 'cause she's not afraid...but really, I'd like to unify and be the first undisputed champion in women's boxing." In order to accomplish that goal of unification in the super featherweight division, Hernandez, who currently holds the WIBA title, would also have to face Canadian sensation Jelena Mrdjenovich, the reigning WBC champion.
Hernandez is an exciting fighter with a great deal of charisma. Her ring entrances are on par with those of one her favorite male fighters, Hector "Macho" Camacho. She is trained by her best friend and favorite female fighter Belinda "Brown Sugar" Laracuente, who once upon a time stole the show in a pay-per-view clash with female boxing legend Christy Martin. The 5'3" lightning bolt has dazzled ring audiences with her style, one that relies mostly on speed, rhythm and boxing skills. Advisor Anthony Catanzaro said of Melissa, "Mel is awesome! Great in the gym; a true fighter in the sense that she is always testing herself in sparring with male fighters and she takes her work and craft seriously, but is the first to make fun at herself. She has a wonderful sense of humor."
The sense of humor of Hernandez, however, disappears quickly when the subject of her inactivity is brought up. "Right now, I'm going on six months inactive. I don't have the big money behind me like some of the, what I feel are undeserving, women fighters. That's what I think is hurting women's boxing more than anything. The exposure is going to the wrong fighters."
Only time will tell if Melissa can have the last laugh and finally get her big opportunity in the ring.