Women’s junior flyweight Brook Sibrian has no plans to slow down.
Sibrian, from Coachella, California, will step into the ring for the fifth time this year when she faces Tania Garcia on Saturday in Rosarito, Mexico – not bad for someone also holding down a white-collar job of selling ads to major websites.
“We’ve built pretty good momentum,” Sibrian told BoxingScene, this time speaking about her action between the ropes. “Activity, dominant performances – that’s the goal. We’re staying busy, and we’re pushing ourselves to maximize the time we have.”
While Sibrian is focused on 2025 as her breakout year, Garcia – despite what her record (9-10-2) might suggest – is no pushover. A 25-year-old from Mexico, Garcia has gone 10 rounds with Gabriela Fundora, now the undisputed junior flyweight champ. Sibrian recognizes the challenge but sees it as a stepping stone for the big fights she wants next year.
“She’s experienced, and she’s been in there with notable names,” said the 31-year-old Sibrian, 5-0 (2 KOs). “She’s never been stopped or dropped, but on paper, this fight has everything to prepare me for the next step. I plan to break her down and stop her.”
Sibrian, guided by her fiancee and trainer Jose “Mega” Soto, has taken an old-school approach to preparation. The duo has traveled extensively for sparring, including trips to the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, where Sibrian tested her skills against world-class talent.
“We’re not afraid to get out of our comfort zone,” Sibrian said. “Driving five hours to a gym where you don’t know who you’ll face is the closest thing to fight night. It’s about building mental calluses and showing we’re willing to put in the work.”
With plans to fight eight rounds in her next bout, Sibrian views Saturday’s clash as pivotal for the next step in her career.
“This might be the last of the smaller fights, exposure-wise,” she said. “But it’s a chance to end the year strong and set up for a big 2025. Fighting in Rosarito again, with the passionate Mexican crowd, is just the start of that.”
For Sibrian, who has embraced the grind and the miles, every fight is part of a bigger picture.
“Lower weight classes don’t always get the spotlight,” she said. “But with the buzz around fighters like Fundora and others, I think it’s a perfect time to make a statement. As more people see my style and power, the eyes will come. We’re knocking on the door – and we’re not going away.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.