Luis Tapia, Solomon Egberime, Layla McCarter, and Raul Morales inside of the Roy Jones Jr. Fight Academy in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Robinson)

By Chris Robinson

Having known Layla McCarter nearly my entire time in Las Vegas the past 6 years, I’ve always had a soft spot for the woman many regard as the best female fighter to have ever laced them up.

McCarter’s professional boxing record of 36 wins, thirteen losses, and five draws (with 8 knockouts and multiple titles mixed in) doesn’t do justice to just how hard she has persevered over her 17-year career to make a name for women’s boxing.

I watched for years as McCarter put in serious work in the gym with her trainer Luis Tapia only to have fights fall through and opportunities fail to appear. It was frustrating to watch someone so talented and tenacious not be able to ply their craft but McCarter’s passion for the game never wavered.

That’s why, when I heard that BKB (Big Knockout Boxing) had sought after McCarter and landed her for a fight for the women’s lightweight championship, I was thrilled.

McCarter would end up putting on a dominating performance against Diana Prazak, stopping the Australian native in the seventh and final round of their match.

“They contacted us because they wanted the best female fighter in the world and there I was,” McCarter told HustleBoss.com of her BKB experience on Monday afternoon as she spoke from within the Roy Jones Jr. Fight Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McCarter admits that when BKB reached out, she had yet to hear of the concept.

“I had no idea about BKB,” said McCarter. “I actually learned about it, I did some research, after they contacted us. I wasn’t sure if I would like it but it brought out the best in me.

“Usually I rely on my boxing skills, but being trapped in a pit, it makes you have to fight,” McCarter added.

With the win, McCarter not only has broadened herself to a new audience, but also paved the way for a new career in addition to boxing.

Asked which she prefers better, McCarter offers a logical solution.

“Whatever pays better and whatever opportunities are better,”  For me it’s just about what is best for me, what makes sense for me. I would just like to do both.”

Check below for the full interview with McCarter plus her match vs. Diana Prazak

Layla McCarter defeats Diana Prazak

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com