“Sometimes patients stare at me for a long time and finally ask me if I’m the boxer. Others say they will come to see me. It’s nice to start being popular.” Since she became Italian lightweight champion the life of Pamela Malvina Noutcho has changed, even if she then plays the routine role: “I continue to do my job, after winning the title I immediately started working as a nurse at the Maggiore”.
It may be like this, but tonight it is thanks to her that PalaDozza will reopen to boxing. The Ebu Silver title is up for grabs, in fact it is the European semi-final, against Jordan Barker Porter. A British woman with a tough history, made up of difficult moments, alcoholism and rebirth thanks to boxing. Particular type, she even took part in a reality show in the Vietnamese jungle.
In the latest flirtation between Bologna and the ring, the Italian middleweight title was up for grabs: the home boxer Simone Rotolo had won on points over Lorenzo Cosseddu. Twelve years have passed. In short, a non-trivial reopening: in that ring, among others, boxers of the caliber of Franco Cavicchi, Nino Benvenuti, Dante Canè, Carlos Duran took turns. The latter’s son, Alessandro, former welterweight world champion, will comment on the match together with Giacomo Brunelli: live streaming on Repubblica starting at 9pm. Boxing legends, but now it’s Pamela’s turn with her story of integration that isn’t always easy. Childhood in Cameroon, arrival in Italy, the long years waiting for citizenship, work but also racial prejudices.
Pamela, racism is a difficult virus to eradicate. You told us about an episode that concerned you, has the situation improved?
“I start from the assumption that Bologna is a welcoming city. In my case the situation has improved, even if there is always something. Those who don’t know me, perhaps come and ask me to speak to the nurse on duty. Then I explain to them that I am that nurse and they are surprised…”.
What do you think of the Acerbi-Juan Jesus case?
“I won’t go into the merits of what they said or didn’t say. But that aside, I think a good opportunity was missed to send a strong message against racism. The feeling is that there was an overall superficial attitude.”
And how is the situation in boxing?
“Maybe he won’t be completely immune, but there is little racism. Maybe because the great boxers are black, but I have never heard insults of a certain kind around a ring.”
After all, Bolognina boxing from this point of view is a happy island.
“Generally all boxing gyms are. Everyone meets and it doesn’t talk about social background or skin color or gender. Maybe there are even some policemen who train with those who have had some problems with the law”
Tonight we have an important European chance. Is the fact of not having competed for the Olympics due to the delay in citizenship just a memory?
“I gnawed at it a little, but I thought it would hurt more. Maybe it’s because I’ve found my happy zone in professional boxing, where I’m getting great satisfaction.”
About professional boxing. the great Amanda Serrano insists on doing 12 3-minute rounds like the men.
“I’ve thought about it, for now I’m happy with the 10 2-minute rounds. However, we women are still young in boxing, let’s give time to time.”
What remained of Pamela as a young girl who was ashamed because they called her Tyson?
“My goodness, who would have expected such an evolution. I was thinking about having a perfect family, Mulino Bianco style. Let’s say I changed priorities.”
So no boyfriend or husband?
“I have a boyfriend. He’s in the boxing scene. But I won’t add anything else.”
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– 2024-04-06 08:34:57
