Colleen “Chaos” Davis initially saw her entrance into boxing as a way to channel her aggression as a teenager. But when Davis went from a more fitness-oriented routine to a professional mindset, there were changes that had to be made.
Davis, 33, felt like she already had a few pieces to the puzzle.
“I had the crazy part down,” said Davis, a 2008 Shaler graduate. “I had the aggressive part down. I had to box with intelligence. I learned the correct way to fight: the footwork, the mindset and the proper stance.”
Davis will tackle one of the more difficult challenges of her young career when she fights Iyana “Right Hook Roxy” Verduzco on July 26 at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, Calif.
Verduzco, 22, won her professional debut against Clarice Morales in October 2023. Verduzco has an extensive amateur background.
Verduzco is a southpaw who won a national tournament at the age of 12 and was part of the 2020 Olympic trials for Team USA. While Verduzco only has one professional fight under her belt, a unanimous decision win, she has a strong amateur background to lean on.
Davis is 3-1-1 since turning professional. She’s not ashamed of not having a perfect record as a pro.
“I’m not scared of anything any more,” Davis said. “I’m not looking to preserve a pretty record with no losses. I want to fight the best. If you have zero in your losses’ column and claim to be the best, prove it.”
Jose Caraballo is the manager of the Ray Schafer Boxing Association in Sharpsburg where Davis trains. He is excited to see Davis get this opportunity.
“She was tough from the beginning,” Caraballo said. “She had that heart and mindset to go after the person and do the damage she needed to do. Everyone used to see her as a tough girl and brawler. She’s a boxer with attitude.”
Davis has backed up that attitude with self belief. Her full time job is training to box. That dedication has put her in a good position to succeed when called upon.
Davis accepted a championship fight against Tayanna Cardoso on five days’ notice.
Davis won the American Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title by unanimous decision in July 2023.
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Davis said she is always ready for whatever fighter calls.
“As long as it’s a smart move and everything is in order business-wise, I’m ready to fight,” Davis said. “If you are a fighter, you are ready to fight at all times. I stay ready because I want the opportunity.”
The upcoming fight will be a learning experience for Davis. She is coming off her first loss, a TKO to Joana Nwamerue last January in Atlantic City.
Caraballo said she has been focused on training since that fight.
“She’s in the gym and learning,” Caraballo said. “She’s taking fights and is fighting undefeated fighters every time. She’s a true modern day warrior.”
While Davis sought out boxing as a way to handle her feelings, she ended up finding a way to structure her life around. There is some anxiety around what is coming up next for Davis.
But she is excited for every step of the journey.
“You definitely have times if nothing is happening as far as fights where it can be frustrating to not know what is happening next,” Davis said. “This is all I know for a lifestyle. I like the discipline it takes. I want to keep a positive attitude. I love it. I know I’m meant to do it.”
Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.