by Sue TL Fox
Photos by Mary Ann Owen
*Updated/August 24, 2026: Melinda Cooper was inducted into the 2022 International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) and in 2025, she was one of 13 police officers that was awarded a plaque at the IWBHF for being one of our “Women Cops Who Box.”
LAS VEGAS, NV — Guilty Boxing, in association with the Orleans Hotel and Everlast Gloves, proudly presented “Friday Night Fights” on December 27, 2002, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The evening’s featured bout showcased 17-year-old Melinda Cooper, weighing in at 117 pounds, facing off against Antoinette Weaver of Atlanta, Georgia, who weighed in at 117.5 pounds.
Weaver took the bout as a late replacement for Cooper’s originally scheduled opponent, Luz Rodriguez of Mexico. Cooper controlled the action through the four-round contest, working effectively against the ropes and unleashing fast-paced combinations.
Despite a height and reach advantage that allowed Weaver to land long-range shots and stay in the fight for the full four rounds, Cooper maintained control to secure the unanimous decision.
Referee Toby Gibson oversaw the action in the ring. The ringside judges, including Carol Castellano, turned in matching official scorecards of 40-36 in favor of Cooper. With the victory, Cooper keeps her undefeated record intact, while Weaver drops to 0-3.
