Gabriela Timar made history on Boxing Day, becoming Switzerland's first female boxing world champion. The 39-year-old, known as "Balboa," secured the WBO Atomweight title after a hard-fought ten-round battle against Japan's Marina Loreto in Bern's Kursaal.
Timar's victory, decided by points, marks a significant milestone for Swiss sport. Her triumph came despite a broken nose sustained early in the fight, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Timar is the first Swiss female boxer to win a world title.
- She secured the WBO Atomweight championship on points after 10 rounds.
- Timar fought with a broken nose from the second round.
- The event also saw Angelo Peña defend his WBO Intercontinental title.
Historic Night in Bern
The atmosphere in the Berner Kursaal was electric as Timar stepped into the ring. This fight represented the culmination of years of dedication for the Basel-based boxer. Her opponent, Marina Loreto, presented a formidable challenge, pushing Timar to her limits over the full ten rounds.
Judges scored the fight 98:92, 95:95, and 97:93 in favor of Timar. This split decision highlighted the competitive nature of the bout, though Timar's consistent performance ultimately swayed the scorecards.
Fight Details
- Date: Boxing Day (December 26, 2025)
- Venue: Kursaal, Bern
- Title: WBO Atomweight World Championship (up to 46.2 kg)
- Winner: Gabriela Timar (Switzerland)
- Opponent: Marina Loreto (Japan)
- Result: Timar wins by points (unanimous decision)
A Champion's Resilience
Timar's path to victory was not easy. She suffered a broken nose in the second round, an injury that became increasingly evident as the fight progressed. Blood began to flow heavily in the latter half of the bout, yet Timar continued to press forward, showcasing her tenacity.
Her coach, Angelo Gallina, played a crucial role, providing guidance and support throughout the challenging fight. This victory is the biggest achievement in Timar's 18-fight professional career. She only began boxing at the age of 28, making her rise to world champion even more impressive.
"I sweated and bled for this title," Timar stated after her victory, reflecting on the arduous journey and the physical toll of the fight.
From European Champion to World Champion
Timar's world title shot came after a successful run in European boxing. In April 2023, she had already claimed the European Boxing Union (EBU) championship. The WBO Atomweight title became vacant when the previous champion, Tina Rupprecht, announced her pregnancy and retirement in October, opening the door for Timar to compete for the world belt.
This progression from European to world champion underscores her consistent improvement and dedication to the sport. Her nickname, "Balboa," a reference to the iconic boxing film character, truly reflects her fighting spirit.
Atomweight Category
The Atomweight division is one of the lightest categories in professional boxing. Boxers in this class must weigh no more than 46.2 kilograms (102 pounds). This weight class demands exceptional speed, agility, and technical skill.
Peña Defends Intercontinental Title
The Boxing Day event also featured another significant fight. Angelo Peña, the 31-year-old Swiss-Dominican boxer, successfully defended his WBO Intercontinental Super Featherweight title. Peña faced Jeo Santisima from the Philippines, dominating the fight.
Peña secured a clear victory by points, with judges scoring it 100:90, 98:92, and 100:90. This marks his fourth consecutive defense of the title and his 13th professional win without a loss. This victory brings him closer to a potential world championship fight in the future.
Impact on Swiss Boxing
Gabriela Timar's world title win is expected to significantly boost the profile of boxing in Switzerland, particularly for female athletes. Her story of perseverance and late entry into the sport serves as an inspiration for aspiring boxers across the nation.
The dual victories of Timar and Peña on the same night highlight a strong period for Swiss professional boxing. These successes could lead to increased interest, participation, and investment in the sport nationwide.
- Timar's win could inspire more women to take up boxing.
- The event showcased high-level professional boxing in Switzerland.
- Both fighters demonstrated top-tier skill and determination.
The Boxing Day event in Bern will be remembered as a historic moment, celebrating the grit and triumph of Swiss athletes on the international stage.