The World Boxing Association congratulates boxer Kali Reis, Super Lightweight champion, for being inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame (NAIAHF).
The news was released on Wednesday afternoon and the world champion shared the excitement on her social media: “I will never stop fighting in or outside of that ring for my people! I come from a long strong line of warriors and relentless women! Wamps! Seaconke… We are Annawons people! I am proud of all that I am”, said Reis using native language.
The 35-year-old boxer is close to the biggest fight of her career. With a date and place to be confirmed, Reis is waiting to face Chantelle Cameron in the Road to Undisputed at 140 pounds. In her first presentation of the tournament, Reis defeated Jessica Camara and not only retained the WBA and IBO belts, but also obtained the WBO belt. Now, she dreams of also becoming the first native to unify all the belts.
2021 was a great harvest for the fighter from Rhode Island, United States, nicknamed “KO Mequinonoag”. In addition to her boxing achievements, she was the protagonist of the movie “Catch The Fair One”, where being the main actress she was able to capture everything that represents her, such as her struggle to shed light on the situation of missing and murdered indigenous women. She has always striven to bring the values of her roots and strong beliefs to the ring. The film, in which Reis also received writing credit, won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival, in addition to the fact that Mequinonoag’s nomination for best female lead actress for the Indie Film Spirit Awards was announced recently.
This recognition of induction to the NAIAHF was granted for becoming a role model for the youth of the community and for her great feats as an athlete: She is the first female indigenous boxer to become world champion, was the protagonist of the first broadcast of a women’s fight in 2018 for HBO, and has won six titles in two different categories.
An example of perseverance and integrity, Reis crosses barriers through sports and awareness actions.
