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Duda Yankovich

Duda “Diamond” Yankovich, former WIBA Light Welterweight Champion, born in Jagodina, Serbia and now a resident of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, once again steps into the spotlight in a main event for the vacant WBO Lightweight title.

PROBOX del CARIBE, of Barranquilla, Columbia represented by Mr. Juan Carlos Devia will host this “All-In” Championship bout between former WIBA Light Welterweight Champion, Duda Yankovich (11-3), and Columbia's Enis Pacheco (8-1), on March 16, 2012 in Barranquilla, Columbia, for the vacant WBO Lightweight Title. Although Enis Pacheco is not as highly recognized as the last three opponents Yankovich faced, for each fighter it is a ‘Must-Win’ situation; for Pacheco it’s an opportunity to redeem herself and put all doubt as to her level of competition, but more so for Yankovich, who suffered three consecutive losses to Holly Holm, Esther Phiri and Ann Sophie Mathis, respectively.

Yankovich was asked why was she moving down in weight and she responded; “I am more comfortable and, feel much better at lightweight. Me and my team have decided that at 135 pounds, I would be more effective. I have no excuses for my three losses; I went back to the drawing board and, as I said, my team and I have an agenda which my manager is handling….” “I want to compete because I know I was born to compete and my mind is set on my goals,” Yankovich says.

Yankovich’s manager Eddie Montalvo was asked why the sudden change in divisions?

Montalvo said, "First I would like to thank PROBOX del Caribe, Mr. Carlos Devia and Ms. Enis Pacheco for making this bout possible…” “ALL-IN is the perfect additive to this WBO Lightweight World Title bout because for Yankovich it is an “All-In” situation…” “Let's keep in mind that 2 of Yankovich's 3 losses were by TKO against the best Pound-for-Pound fighters in the Sport; natural welterweights (HOLM and MATHIS) with considerable reach advantages, and that she never competed as a lightweight, a division with far more opposition in the likes of Erica Farias (WBC Champion), Alejandra Oliveras (WBA), Melissa Hernandez, Mary McGee, Delfine Peerson, Ann Marie Sacurato, Diane Prazak, Karo Ro, Kimberly Conner, Erin McGowan, Raika Emiko and, some of the Super Featherweights like Kina Malpartida (WBA), Frida Wallberg, Lindsay Garbatt, and Marie Reiderer who can all compete at 135 pounds….” “Yankovich's determination to make her keep as a fighter is evident in her everyday training regimen and in the way she is preparing herself for this bout against Pacheco. At 135 pounds, ‘Diamond’ comes in sharper and more agile carrying with her that power she lacked in her only 3 losses. As a lightweight Duda will do exceptionally well.”

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