match, Sutcliffe ultimately lost a very close ten-round decision on points. Her next fight, against Kim Messer in South Korea, also ended in a loss by points decision in ten rounds. Sutcliffe followed these losses by winning the IFBA World Title crown at the Irish Center in Leeds on May 17, 2001, knocking out Bulgarian champion Maria Ivanova in round 5. After the knockout win, Sutcliffe moved up one weight division and challenged Daisy Lang for Lang's WIBF World Jr. bantamweight title on October 29, 2001 in Germany. Sutcliffe lost in a seven-round technical decision when the fight's referee dictated that a cut suffered by Lang had been produced by a headbutt; the bout's result proved to be controversial, as many ringside and television viewers thought they had seen a right-hand punch by Sutcliffe causing Lang's cut. Following the contentious loss, Sutcliffe retired from professional boxing as a three-time World champion. Reflecting on her career, Sutcliffe stated: Her record stands at 7 wins and 5 losses, with 2 knockout wins. Post-professional career Michelle now teaches classes and 1-2-1 sessions at Tigers Gym in Meanwood, Leeds. Legacy Sutcliffe and Germany's Regina Halmich have helped to increase the popularity of women's boxing in Europe. Sutcliffe is one of the most famous female fighters to come from England. Professional boxing record References External links Michelle Sutcliffe at Tiger's Gym 1967 births Living people English Muay Thai practitioners Female Muay Thai practitioners English female kickboxers English women boxers