Boxing News: Rijker Blasts Ali For Avoiding Million Dollar Showdown

HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 9, 2005) — Undefeated female boxing superstar LUCIA RIJKER blasted Laila Ali today for avoiding a million dollar battle between them. Rijker, 17-0 (14 KOs) is training for her July 30 pay-per-view megabout at Mandalay Bay against the legendary CHRISTY MARTIN, 46-3-2 (32 KOs). The bout called “Million Dollar Lady” is the richest event in women's boxing history, with the winner receiving a cool $1 million.

Ali, who refused to fight Rijker, despite the $250,000 guarantee to the loser, chose to fight Erin Toughill (6-1-1) on the undercard of this weekend's Mike Tyson-Kevin McBride event.

“Good luck to her … she can run but she can't hide,” said Rijker. “She should honor her father's name. 'Million Dollar Lady' is the richest event in women's boxing history, a battle of the undefeated and a chance to headline a major pay-per-view event. How do you turn all that down to fight on an undercard?”

Rijker, who is noted for taking on and defeating top competition throughout her professional career, had a feature role in Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning motion picture “Million Dollar Baby.”

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets to “Million Dollar Lady” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office.