Sept. 30, 2009

Photo Gallery

TUCSON, Ariz. - Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay, Floyd Mayweather...and Niya Butts?

The head coach of the Arizona women's basketball team has thrown her hat into the ring--literally--as she has been taking boxing lessons at nearby Undisputed Gym in downtown Tucson.

Butts takes part in 30-minute workouts several times per week with staff trainers, learning the sweet science while also improving her own physical conditioning.

As her pugilistic technique continues to evolve, Butts has started stepping into the ring for sparring sessions.  Most recently, she logged a trio of 2-minute rounds with former Arizona softball standout Jennifer Martinez, another member of the gym and fellow boxing trainee.

Rumors have been swirling around the UA campus about a possible exhibition between the two former college athletes. Details remain guarded, but a match-up is being discussed at Undisputed sometime in October.

The first day of official practice for the Wildcats is Friday, October 16 when the team will take to the floor in McKale Center at 5:00 p.m. The Cats play the first of two home exhibition games on Thursday, November 5 against Fort Lewis College of Durango, Colorado at 7:00 p.m.