You can stop me if you’ve heard this story before.

Twenty years ago, a young woman walks into a boxing gym for the first time and ends up a world champion and mentor to a new generation of fighters.

It’s all true.  Molly McConnell rode her natural talent and work ethic to the top of the women’s boxing world, and it all started in one of Portland’s historic venues.

In 1999 Molly joined a Boxing for Fitness program at the Grand Avenue Gym, a hotbed of the sport.  It didn’t take long for trainer Ron Woodward to notice her skills and style.  With a little coaching and encouragement, McConnell began her amateur career and quickly rose to capture the Oregon and Washington Golden Gloves championships.

Molly knew how to punch with power with both hands and drew the attention of more quality coaches.  Bill Meartz began to train her at the West Portland Boxing gym along with the well-regarded coach Leonard Trigg.  She quickly earned the nickname “Fearless”.

That’s when her career really took off.  Just three years after putting on the gloves, Molly won the National Golden Gloves championship, the first Oregon boxer, man or woman to win a national title in 18 years.

By the end of 2003, McConnell had won 4 national amateur titles.  She was the top ranked welterweight for 2 years in a row.

Next came the transition to the professional ranks.  Molly worked her way up the junior welterweight ranks.  That journey culminated with two world championships in 2011.

McConnell retired after 64 fights and now runs her own gym.  McConnell Boxing Academy trains boxers, MMA fighters and fitness enthusiasts.  Her long-time coach Leonard Trigg is part of her staff.  Molly always considered herself an excellent boxer but now sees herself as an even better teacher.

Oregon’s only professional female world boxing champion, Molly McConnell is welcomed to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.