Boxingtalk salutes former WBC 108-pound champion Esmeralda “Joya” Moreno who announced her retirement in Mexico City. Moreno was born in Chimalhuacán on July 7, 1987 and made her debut in 2005.  She won WBC light fly world title in 2012, defeating Naomi Tagoshi. She later won the IBO title at 115 pounds. She built a career record of 35-12-2 with 11 KOs. Over her fifteen-year career, she faced the best, including Ibeth Zamora, Jessica Chávez, Alesia Graf, Mayela Pérez, Ana Maria Torres, Mariana Juárez, Simona Galassi, Maribel Ramírez, Naomi Togashi, Yessica Nery, Eva Voraberger, Melissa McMorrow and Yessenia Gómez. 

 

At the WBC event, she summed up her career, saying, ”I gave my best in each of my fights, always going against the current. I come from a marginalized neighborhood with many deprivations; However, I made up for everything I lacked with heart and determination... It will always be a pride to have represented the WBC. I am grateful for all my defeats because all of this led me to winning my world titles. I thank my parents, my coaches, but especially, my daughter. Life is not easy, love. But I want you to remember forever that there are no limits to being  a woman. I love you and you will always be my greatest inspiration.”