Fredia Gibbs
Encyclopedia
Fredia “The Cheetah” Gibbs (born July 8, 1963), nicknamed “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World”, is a sports icon and Muay Thai
kickboxing legend. Gibbs is a 3 Time World Champion in Kickboxing and the first African American female to hold the world kickboxing
championship for the International Sport Karate Association
. She is known for having a very balanced attack as a kick-boxer that includes a ferocious overhand right, a mighty left, and lighting quick feet.
. Growing up in the Fairground Community was tough for Gibbs who was constantly being messed with by neighborhood kids and classmates. Since her mother taught her not to fight back, Gibbs frequently found herself running from neighborhood bullies. When she wasn’t running from bullies, the All American & Most Valuable Player Gibbs was busy excelling in basketball and track at her high school, so it’s only appropriate that she earned the nickname “The Cheetah.”
After high school, Gibbs attended Temple University
in Philadelphia where she was the recipient of two athletic scholarships for her excellence in both basketball and track. She later attended Cabrini College
on a basketball scholarship focusing on her grades and her game. The basketball phenomenon was invited to the United States Olympic Training Center
located in Colorado Springs to try out for the women's USA Olympic Basketball Team where she was cut during the second tryouts. Gibbs was also selected Kodak All American for three consecutive years for basketball at Cabrini College
where she majored in Marketing. She later went on to play professional basketball in Germany
, averaging almost 30 points, 15 rebounds & 10 assist a season. Gibbs is showcased on www.hoopedia.nba.com under Chester High School. Her hometown recently inducted her into Chester High School's “Basketball Hall of Fame" and named their track team after Gibbs now called "Chester Cheetah's."
Additionally, Gibbs won her first World Tae Kwon Do Championship Tournament in St. Petersburg, FL, beating the 2 time returning champion from Puerto Rico.
It didn’t take long for Gibbs to burst into the kickboxing world as a fierce contender and great female warrior. She amassed a kickboxing record of 16-0-1 with 15 KO’s. Gibbs’ only draw came from an exhibition fight with a male. Her greatest accomplishment as a professional kickboxer came when she shocked the European circuit by winning the ISKA
World Championship with a knockout during her fight with the heavily favored Valerie Henin in "The Battle of the Masters" PPV show. The defeat in April 1994 made Gibbs the first African American female to hold the world kickboxing championship for the International Sport Karate Association
. Although Henin had previously been known as “the most dangerous woman in the world’ in the European kickboxing circles, Gibbs took claim to the name.
Gibbs got her first shot at a boxing title March 21, 1998. Her boxing coaches were Randy Shields and then Terry Claybon, Hollywoods' Celebrity Boxing & Acting Coach. Despite opening a cut over her opponent Leah Mellinger’s left eye, Gibbs was defeated for the first time in her career. Fortunately, the defeat wasn’t enough to stop Gibbs; she fought back by moving on to win her next two fights against Olivia Gerula and Hannah Fox
, both by a six round unanimous decision.
After taking a brief break from boxing, “The Cheetah” returned to the ring June 8, 2001 for a fight against Susan Howard
at the Hollywood Park Casino. After winning the four round fight in a unanimous decision, Gibbs proved she was still a great female warrior.
On November 16, 2001 Gibbs went on to battle it out with Sumya Anani
, IFBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight and IBA Lightweight champion who had previously beaten Christy Martin. The exciting 10 round fight ended in a majority draw, leaving both fighters with their first draw and the WIBA
World title vacant.
Gibbs' next fight against Kanicia "Queen Bee" Eley put her on the same card as Laila Ali
in the hometown of Ali's father Muhammed Ali. After fighting four rounds against Kanicia Eley, Gibbs was declared the winner. She then decided to go up against Sumya Anani again, less than two years after their original match. Unfortunately, the rematch had a disappointing end for Gibbs who injured her right hand in the first round leaving Anani to win by TKO. Also for the past 7 years Gibbs has been the sparring partner, trainer & corner person for Mia St. John
.
Kickboxing
, Boxing
, and Jiu-jitsu
. It's a fun and tough environment that appeals to people of all fitness levels from the beginner to the advanced competitor. Fredia believes that working out is a life changing experience and takes pride in motivating people who seek training as an alternate to the “traditional gym.” Gibbs continues to train jiu-jitsu
and aspires to move on to MMA
fighting.
, Upscale, KO Boxing, Sports Illustrated for Women
, and Black Belt Magazine
.
Film & TV Credits
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. It is similar to other Indochinese kickboxing systems, namely pradal serey from Cambodia, tomoi from Malaysia, lethwei from Myanmar and muay Lao from Laos...
kickboxing legend. Gibbs is a 3 Time World Champion in Kickboxing and the first African American female to hold the world kickboxing
Kickboxing
Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....
championship for the International Sport Karate Association
International Sport Karate Association
The International Sport Karate Association is one of the major international bodies regulating karate and kickboxing matches, and is based in the United States...
. She is known for having a very balanced attack as a kick-boxer that includes a ferocious overhand right, a mighty left, and lighting quick feet.
Early years
Fredia Gibbs was born just south of Philadelphia in a tough part of Chester, PennsylvaniaChester, Pennsylvania
Chester is a city in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States, with a population of 33,972 at the 2010 census. Chester is situated on the Delaware River, between the cities of Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.- History :...
. Growing up in the Fairground Community was tough for Gibbs who was constantly being messed with by neighborhood kids and classmates. Since her mother taught her not to fight back, Gibbs frequently found herself running from neighborhood bullies. When she wasn’t running from bullies, the All American & Most Valuable Player Gibbs was busy excelling in basketball and track at her high school, so it’s only appropriate that she earned the nickname “The Cheetah.”
After high school, Gibbs attended Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
in Philadelphia where she was the recipient of two athletic scholarships for her excellence in both basketball and track. She later attended Cabrini College
Cabrini College
Cabrini College is a coeducational Roman Catholic residential college in the Philadelphia metropolitan area of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1957. It was one of the first colleges in the United States to make community service a...
on a basketball scholarship focusing on her grades and her game. The basketball phenomenon was invited to the United States Olympic Training Center
United States Olympic Training Center
The United States Olympic Training Centers are three campuses created by the United States Olympic Committee as training facilities for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes. They are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lake Placid, New York; and Chula Vista, California. There is a U.S. Olympic...
located in Colorado Springs to try out for the women's USA Olympic Basketball Team where she was cut during the second tryouts. Gibbs was also selected Kodak All American for three consecutive years for basketball at Cabrini College
Cabrini College
Cabrini College is a coeducational Roman Catholic residential college in the Philadelphia metropolitan area of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1957. It was one of the first colleges in the United States to make community service a...
where she majored in Marketing. She later went on to play professional basketball in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, averaging almost 30 points, 15 rebounds & 10 assist a season. Gibbs is showcased on www.hoopedia.nba.com under Chester High School. Her hometown recently inducted her into Chester High School's “Basketball Hall of Fame" and named their track team after Gibbs now called "Chester Cheetah's."
Muay Thai kickboxing career
In 1990, after moving to North Hollywood, California, “The Cheetah” adopted kickboxing as her sport under the instructions of Rubin Urquidez, David Krapes & Bangkok’s Master Sur Puk & Saekson Janjira of Muay Thai Academy of North Hollywood. Her Muay Thai manager was Felice Levair & her publicist was William Peele of Los Angeles, Ca. The move to kickboxing was a natural one for Gibbs who had first starting kicking at the age of 11 (and received her black belt at the age of 23) while studying martial arts under the instruction of Master Rick Berri, Nick Nichols, and her Uncle William Groce of Quiet Storm Karate Club in Chester, Pennsylvania.Additionally, Gibbs won her first World Tae Kwon Do Championship Tournament in St. Petersburg, FL, beating the 2 time returning champion from Puerto Rico.
It didn’t take long for Gibbs to burst into the kickboxing world as a fierce contender and great female warrior. She amassed a kickboxing record of 16-0-1 with 15 KO’s. Gibbs’ only draw came from an exhibition fight with a male. Her greatest accomplishment as a professional kickboxer came when she shocked the European circuit by winning the ISKA
Iska
Iska is a village in Koonga Parish, Pärnu County in southwestern Estonia....
World Championship with a knockout during her fight with the heavily favored Valerie Henin in "The Battle of the Masters" PPV show. The defeat in April 1994 made Gibbs the first African American female to hold the world kickboxing championship for the International Sport Karate Association
International Sport Karate Association
The International Sport Karate Association is one of the major international bodies regulating karate and kickboxing matches, and is based in the United States...
. Although Henin had previously been known as “the most dangerous woman in the world’ in the European kickboxing circles, Gibbs took claim to the name.
Boxing career
After her kickboxing career, Gibbs moved on to the world of professional boxing achieving a record of 9-2-1 (2 K0). She made her debut in January 1997 by winning in a decision over Maria Fortaleza Recinos. In her next fight, Gibbs went on to beat Daniele Doobenen by outscoring her in a four round fight. Later that year she managed to stop two of her opponents, Gail Grandchamp and Annaliese Kolan, by relying on her strength, aggressiveness, and consistency.Gibbs got her first shot at a boxing title March 21, 1998. Her boxing coaches were Randy Shields and then Terry Claybon, Hollywoods' Celebrity Boxing & Acting Coach. Despite opening a cut over her opponent Leah Mellinger’s left eye, Gibbs was defeated for the first time in her career. Fortunately, the defeat wasn’t enough to stop Gibbs; she fought back by moving on to win her next two fights against Olivia Gerula and Hannah Fox
Hannah Fox
Hannah Lee Fox , better known as Hannah Fox is a former female boxer. She is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her nickname is "The Vegas", which made her name sound like "Hannah The Vegas Fox" when introduced to fans before a fight....
, both by a six round unanimous decision.
After taking a brief break from boxing, “The Cheetah” returned to the ring June 8, 2001 for a fight against Susan Howard
Susan Howard
Jeri Lynn Mooney , better known as Susan Howard, is an American actress, writer, and political activist; best known for portraying the character Donna Culver Krebbs on the soap opera Dallas, Maggie Petrocelli on the television show Petrocelli, and to Star Trek fans for portraying Mara, the first...
at the Hollywood Park Casino. After winning the four round fight in a unanimous decision, Gibbs proved she was still a great female warrior.
On November 16, 2001 Gibbs went on to battle it out with Sumya Anani
Sumya Anani
Sumya Anani is one of the top fighters in the sport of women's boxing.Anani, like many women's boxers, came to the sport in a roundabout fashion. While living in Kansas City in the early 1990s and working as a massage therapist, she took a course in self-defense...
, IFBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight and IBA Lightweight champion who had previously beaten Christy Martin. The exciting 10 round fight ended in a majority draw, leaving both fighters with their first draw and the WIBA
Women's International Boxing Association
The Women's International Boxing Association a sanctioning body for women's professional boxing came into existence in July 2000, and quickly grew into a major force in the sport....
World title vacant.
Gibbs' next fight against Kanicia "Queen Bee" Eley put her on the same card as Laila Ali
Laila Ali
Laila Amaria Ali is a retired American professional boxer. She is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali from his third wife Veronica Porsche Ali.-Boxing career:...
in the hometown of Ali's father Muhammed Ali. After fighting four rounds against Kanicia Eley, Gibbs was declared the winner. She then decided to go up against Sumya Anani again, less than two years after their original match. Unfortunately, the rematch had a disappointing end for Gibbs who injured her right hand in the first round leaving Anani to win by TKO. Also for the past 7 years Gibbs has been the sparring partner, trainer & corner person for Mia St. John
Mia St. John
Mia Rosales St. John is a Mexican-American professional boxer in the Light Welterweight division. Mia is the former WIBA and WIBF Lightweight Champion. She is also a model, businesswoman, and Tae Kwon Do Champion.-Early life:...
.
Post Fight career
Fredia “The Cheetah” Gibbs works as a Coach & Director at a gym in San Diego. It specializes in Muay ThaiMuay Thai
Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. It is similar to other Indochinese kickboxing systems, namely pradal serey from Cambodia, tomoi from Malaysia, lethwei from Myanmar and muay Lao from Laos...
Kickboxing
Kickboxing
Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....
, Boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
, and Jiu-jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
. It's a fun and tough environment that appeals to people of all fitness levels from the beginner to the advanced competitor. Fredia believes that working out is a life changing experience and takes pride in motivating people who seek training as an alternate to the “traditional gym.” Gibbs continues to train jiu-jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
and aspires to move on to MMA
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
fighting.
Outside the Ring
In addition to excelling as a professional athlete, Gibbs has also had success as an actress and a sports model for Sebastian International Sports Department. She has been featured in many magazines, including JetJet (magazine)
Jet is an American weekly marketed toward African-American readers, founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson of Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago, Illinois...
, Upscale, KO Boxing, Sports Illustrated for Women
Sports Illustrated for Women
Sports Illustrated Women and also known as SI Women, was a bimonthly sports magazine covering "the sports that women play and what they want to follow, from basketball to tennis, soccer to volleyball, field hockey to ice hockey and figure skating and more...
, and Black Belt Magazine
Black Belt Magazine
Black Belt is an American magazine covering martial arts and combat sports founded in 1961 by Mitoshi Uyehara. During the early years of the publication, Uyehara was a hands-on owner and publisher...
.
Film & TV Credits
- In 2001, Gibbs played in-the-ring villain Tanya “Terminator” Tessario in the film KnockoutKnockoutA knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...
(made by Hollywood’s DMG Productions). - In 1996, Gibbs appeared as herself on an episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The show stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to move in with his aunt and uncle in their...
.” In the episode (titled Boxing Helena), Will is the victim of ridicule after being KO’d by a girl at a health club.