Mexican "The Rock" Zamora, three-time female world champion with 20 world championship fights, retires
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Aug 2025
Ibeth Zamora Silva was born on February 6, 1989, in San Cristóbal Huichochitlán, Toluca, Mexico. She won the WBA minimum weight class in 2009, the WBC light flyweight class in 2013, and the WBC flyweight class in 2018. She became the first Mexican woman to win world championships in three divisions, including eight consecutive WBC light flyweight title defenses and twenty women's world championship fights.
"The Rock" Zamora had a professional career between 2007 and 2023 with a professional record of 33 wins (13 KOs) and 8 losses, facing champions such as Yesica Bop, Ava Knight, Anabel Ortiz, Esmeralda Moreno, Mari Ando, Yesica Nery, Ersuki Tada, Irma Sanchez, Naoko Shibata, Melissa McMorrow, Nina Radovanic, Marlen Esparza, and Kenia Enríquez, among others, in countries such as the United States, Panama, Uruguay, Japan, and Mexico.
This Tuesday, August 26th, in the city of Toluca, in the State of Mexico, a special tribute was paid to Ibeth "Roca" Zamora, highlighting her brilliant career in boxing.
A video shown during the ceremony reviewed her achievements and history in the ring throughout her 16-year professional career.
Zamora was very supportive and close to her late parents, Baltazar and Valentina, along with her sister, Caro, who also passed away, and her sisters, Liz, Edi, and Eli, who always supported her from the beginning, including attending fights. Her parents traveled to most of her fights in Mexico and accompanied her during her daily training sessions.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán spoke to recognize her legacy:
“What an honor to be in Toluca. We met La Roca as a child, and she became a great champion who paved the way for women's boxing. The time has come to hang up her gloves, and she does so in an emotional way. For the World Boxing Council, Ibeth Zamora is an eternal champion.”
A mini-belt was also presented to Zamora's trainer, Carlos Duarte, in recognition of her work. Roberto Díaz and Gabriel Cordero participated remotely via Zoom, offering special words to the champion.
Díaz expressed: “I was fortunate to work with you. You are a source of pride for Mexico and for those who know you. Today begins a new era. Be an inspiration to future generations.”
Cordero added: “She fought through many adversities inside and outside the ring; she is a true Mexican warrior. Very few took risks like her. Her contribution to women's boxing and to Mexican women is extraordinary.”
As a symbol of this new chapter in her life, she was presented with a Tree of Life, in addition to a special recognition from the mayor of Toluca, Ricardo Moreno.
Moved, Zamora shared her feelings:
“Today I can say that dreams can be lived. At 15, I had the idea of becoming a boxer and a world champion. I tell future boxers that as women, and as Indigenous women, we have the right to live our dreams. Being a three-time world champion is an achievement I never thought I would achieve. Today, I officially say goodbye to boxing.”
Ibeth “The Rock” Zamora has all the attributes and requirements to seek a place in boxing immortality soon at the International Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART I)
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 16 Oct 2025BOXING HALL OF FAME RELEASES FALL 2025 LETTER OF APPEAL SEEKING FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
Thu, 16 Oct 2025Mendoza bags bronze
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 20: MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III ON OCTOBER 1, 1975 AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 16 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: History of Boxing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 16 Oct 2025YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
Wed, 15 Oct 2025JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
Wed, 15 Oct 2025MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
Wed, 15 Oct 2025WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Oct 2025YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
Wed, 15 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
Wed, 15 Oct 2025GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Wed, 15 Oct 2025SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
Wed, 15 Oct 2025