Dalton Boxing Champion Deborah "Knockout" Nichols To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Deborah “Knockout” Nichols, a Dalton native and the original 1999 IBA Women’s World Featherweight Champion, will be inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame on Oct. 10 at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The honor recognizes Ms. Nichols’ place in the history of women’s boxing and comes as she prepares to release her newly completed memoir, "Fight for the Truth: The Deborah “Knockout” Nichols Story."

Ms. Nichols’ athletic journey began in Dalton with a two-week karate coupon.

She earned her black belt in July 1991, moved from point fighting into full-contact kickboxing and Toughwoman competitions, and later entered professional boxing. She turned professional at age 34 and won her world title at age 38.

Her 1999 IBA Women’s World Featherweight Championship fight took place at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. Ms. Nichols managed much of her own career, with Ben Kiker training her and working her corner alongside members of United Karate Studio, except for her final two fights.

Officials said, "'Fight for the Truth' recounts Ms. Nichols’ rise through women’s boxing during the 1990s, the opportunities and barriers faced by female fighters and her effort to preserve the truth about her championship and career. The memoir combines her personal story with a firsthand account of an important period in women’s sports history."