Maira Moneo

Maira Moneo (born September 25, 1992) is an Uruguayan professional boxer. A lightweight, she has been recognized as the interim champion of the world in her division by the World Boxing Association (WBA) since July 1, 2023, and by the World Boxing Council (WBC) since December 15, 2023, and ranked #3 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). An aggressive fighter, her nickname is "La Panterita" ("The Small Panther"). A popular performer in Uruguay and in neighboring country Argentina, Moneo has been featured various times at Argentina's international television boxing show, TyC Sports' Boxeo de Primera. Managed by Pedro Bologna and promoted by Georgina Rivero, Moneo was, as of 2024, the WBA's and WBC's interim women's world lightweight champion.

Professional career Moneo made her professional debut on October 14, 2018, defeating the much more experienced Brazilian fighter Amanda Lopes at the Club Coetc in Montevideo by a four-round unanimous decision. who, with her victory, retained the Fedelatin championship. Of a total of 30 combined rounds scored by the three judges in this contest, Moneo was given 29.

One more successful defense of her title followed (against Sofia Rodriguez, a ten-round unanimous decision win), Sanchez was floored in round seven; the fight was stopped on the ringside doctor's advice. With the victory, Moneo was hoping to challenge the WBA's "full" champion, Katie Taylor of Ireland, for full recognition as a WBA world champion.

On December 15, 2023, Moneo fought for, and won, the vacant WBC interim women's world lightweight title by outpointing Bolivia's Lizbeth Crespo by unanimous decision after ten rounds, at the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires, in a contest which was televised across the Americas on TyC Sports' Boxeo de Primera television show.

In July 2024, it was announced Moneo would fight Caroline Dubois for the interim WBC women's lightweight world title at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, England, on 3 August that year. She lost by unanimous decision with the ringside judges scoring the fight 100–90, 100–89 and 99–90 in favour of Dubois.

Moneo has a record of 16 wins and 3 losses in 19 professional boxing contests, with 3 wins by knockout.

Personal life Moneo resides in Montevideo.