The First Native American Female Fighter In New England Kali K.O. Mequinoag Reis By Christopher Annino

K.O. Mequinonoag Reis is one of the first native American women to compete in pro boxing in New England.  Wampanoag, Nipmunk and Cherokee blood run through the veins of this mighty warrior. However K.O. identifies more to her Wampanoag origin which has its roots in Seeconke Massachusetts. “I am one extremely proud "WaMp" female warrior. My middle name "Mequinonoag" means "many feathers" or many talents, which I got from my mother. I was also named in our tribes naming ceremony that happens at first light of our annual Pow Wow and I was named "Peeowee Upahshaw" Little Flower" said K.O.

Powwow derives from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning "spiritual leader". A modern pow-wow is a specific type of event for Native American/First Nations people to meet and dance, sing, socialize, and honor their culture. There is generally a dancing competition, often with significant prize money awarded. Pow-wows vary in length from one day session of five to six hours to three days. Major pow-wow or pow-wows called for a special occasion can be up to one week long.      

  “My mother and I were always on the pow wow trail every summer on the weekends we would compete in dance competitions. I would compete in the Fancy Shawl Category, This is a very colorful fast paced, energy packed dance style which is often compared to watching a butterfly. I love dancing!! The beat of the drum is out heartbeat and I feel every beat! My mother is a traditional style dancer” K.O. also added “She was on our tribes counsel for many years as the cultural director and pow wow coordinator. She is now the tribes medicine woman which is a very high honor. She is a very spiritual woman.”

K.O has always had a great interest in the sport of boxing. She never thought there were any boxing facilities where she had lived. K.O. began to investigate almost lost hope until a friend of her mothers, Domigo “Tall Dog” Monro who was a pro fighter in the early 90’s was introduced to her. “Tall Dog” began to teach her the basics at her house where she had a heavy bag. K.O. became more advanced and was then introduced to legendary trainer Peter Manfredo http://www.manfredoboxing.com/what-we-do/peter-manfredo-sr/ who is based out of Rhode Island. She also trained with Olympic heavyweight Jason Estrada’s father Dr. Roland Estrada.  “I started training with Peter again for my last fight so now I have the best "dream team" in my corner” said K.O.

With five career wins and two loses this K.O. is a true ring warrior and has been devouring her competition in the Welterweight division. K.O is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. She has been scheduled to fight against Marva Dash in Carnage in Canton. Saturday May 3rd at the Irish Cultural Center. Carnage in Canton will be the first MMA/ BOXING hybrid in New England. For tickets contact Artie DePinho at 617-312-5059

For any bookings contact her manager Mary Del Pino at iheartboxing111@gmail.com