Interview with Angela Rivera (November 2003)

Angela was one of the USA's top female fighters fighting out of Master Toddy's gym in Las Vegas and was voted Competitor of The Year by inside Kung Fu magazine. She has since moved to Australia with her husband, another famous fighter, Wayne Parr.

How old are you now and where were you born?
I am 24 years old, I was born in the High Desert, Hesperia California USA

How did you first get involved in the sport?
In 1997 I started as self defence and saw a women kickboxer Kathy Long and wanted to do what she did, fight.

What drove you to compete?
I love to compete. Its such a rush to play a game one on one and see who is better. I knew after I saw Kathy Long fight I could do it!

What is you full record now?
About 24 wins 4 loss and 1 Draw

What has been your hardest fight so far?
Maybe the one in Thailand when I fought the Russian girl in the final her name was Maria Soliva. She was tough I kicked her right in the head with a round house in the first 15 seconds and she did not even blink. It was also very emotional cause I wanted to win a Gold Medal for my trainers and my family.

You left USA for Australia. How do you find life in Australia compared to America?
I really like Australia I think much better than the USA. It helps that your husband owns his own gym and you don't have to work for anyone! I love the people here, they are super friendly. I just miss my friends and family and Mexican food.

Training wise. I have great trainers here, John Wayne and Richard Walsh, and a Thai man also. Muay Thai is much bigger here then the states, so that makes it easier to be a Muay Thai fighter.

How do you think America's best female fighters compare to Australia's best females?

Not sure yet I will let you know when I have a couple of fights. To tell you the truth the females in America were always behind, Master Toddy didn't do an all women's card until I was gone. None of the girls that fought on his show were training for a fight, not even thinking about fighting when I was there. Trisha Hill is the best US fighter at the moment I don't think an Aussie girl can beat her, but who knows. The girls are probably better here, but I have a half of dozen that I want to fight and see who is better.

What impact has having children had on your life?
Too much impact. Really life is good, my Jasmine is a good baby and everyone loves her and she is clever, she makes it easy to be a mother. (I am sure every mother says that)

How do you find being married to such a famous fighter like Wayne Parr?
It is great. I am happy to be with someone that is very successful and that can teach me a lot. I am lucky, I knew that I wanted to marry him when I saw him work my friends corner. I said to myself he would be a great trainer and he is a awesome fighter what more could I want. Not to mention he is the nicest and most honest person I ever met.

And how does Wayne find it being married to such a famous American fighter Angela Riviera?
He likes it that I am a fighter. He liked me before he meet me when he saw pictures of me on fight posters.

You make your comeback this weekend, with your first fight in Aus, how do you feel about that fight?
I am super excited I want to do well, I feel I am strong and I know my technique is good. I hope to make everyone happy especially me!

What next after this fight?
Not sure. I really want to see how I feel and make sure that my heart is in the game 100%. I will let you know when I get another fight lined up. Would like to fight in England.

What are your ambitions now both inside and outside the sport?
I always want to be the best. I try to be successful and am always trying new things.

Have you ever fought with elbows? What do you think of women fighting with them?
Yes. I love elbows I would only like to fight with them. This next fight is with them but with pads. If women want to fight with them cool. I have seen lots of blood in a fight with or without them. A fight is a fight. It can get crazy. Elbows is just another weapon.

Do you feel that fighting amateur (padded up) helped your pro career?
I don't think it helped just getting experience is good. Wearing pads was nothing it is the same for me.

Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
OK thank you Dan for asking for the interview you have a really nice site. Thanks to my husband Wayne and pad holder Richard Walsh for putting up with me. All the Boonchu Gym for making me feel welcome. Glad to be back. Thank you! Angela Parr