Tonight, the popular highly ranked female heavyweight contender Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis, 9-1-2 (1 KO), will contest for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) female heavyweight world title in what promises to be an exhilarating rematch against rival Carlette “The Truth” Ewell, 15-7-1 (9 KOs), of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The championship bout, scheduled for 10 rounds, will take place on Saturday, December 6, at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium, in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.
Born in Mytilene, Greece, Lamonakis moved to the US at just four months old and was raised in Turner Falls, Massachusetts. Earning her master’s degree in Elementary Education, Sonya secured a position as a schoolteacher upon her graduation. During this time, she was working out at various gyms learning to box and soon won the New England Golden Gloves tournament in 2004. Moving to New York City the following year, with a job teaching in Brooklyn, Sonya began training at the famed Gleason’s Gym. From 2006-2010, Lamonakis impressively won four consecutive New York Golden Gloves championships as well as two National titles. Turning pro in 2010, Sonya’s relentless brawling style has endeared her to the local fan base, which has continued to grow with each successive fight.
Nine of Sonya’s 12 career bouts thus far have been a part of DiBella Entertainment (DBE) events. On January 21, 2012, the then 6-0 Lamonakis met Ewell for the first time at New York City’s famed Roseland Ballroom on a DBE-promoted Broadway Boxing card. The two battled toe-to-toe for six action-packed rounds, with Sonya landing the harder shots. Though the judges scored the contest a controversial split draw, most observers felt that Lamonakis deserved the victory.
In her last match on March 22, Lamonakis engaged in her fourth encounter with the tough Tiffany Woodard, at Five-Star Banquet Hall, in Long Island City, NY. Earning the eight-round unanimous decision, Lamonakis picked up the New York State female heavyweight championship. With her adopted home state’s title belt now around her waist, Sonya is ready to capture the world title.
“My time is here,” said a determined Lamonakis. “I’m in great shape and ready to bring the belt back to New York City, my family, my friends, and my students.”
“I’ve watched Sonya develop as a professional fighter on my Broadway Boxing series, thrilling large crowds with exciting action each time out,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Her first clash with Ewell was a barnburner, but one that she deserved to win. I’m confident that Sonya will gain revenge and bring home the IBO world female heavyweight championship.”
