5′ 6½ Junior Welterweight trailblazer pioneer Diana Dutra, born on September 23, 1964, in Mission, British Columbia, Canada boxed professionally from the early 1990’s to October 2000. She made history on October 20, 1995, when she fought in what was reported as the first-ever women’s boxing bout to take place in Denmark. In that fight she fought Helga Risoy of Norway, winning the vacant WIBF Junior Welterweight world title, in a ten-round bout.
According to Wiki, Dutra became a professional boxer at the relatively old age of 31.
In a fight that took place on December 12, 1996, after defeating Risoy, she fought and defeated Karen Wilson in a four-rounder in Vancouver, Canada.
On September 19, 1997, at the Emerald Queen Casino, in Tacoma, Washington, she fought in a four-rounder losing by a majority decision with Sarah Schmedling.
Having lost her last three professional fights in a row, two of them by knockout, Dutra decided to retire.
While her professional boxing debut was the historic October 20, 1995 match in Denmark where she won the vacant WIBF Junior Welterweight title against Helga Risoy, her full professional record consists of 11 total fights: 5 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw (with 0 wins coming by knockout). Her career went past her loss to Sarah Schmedling.
The complete progression of her professional boxing career includes:
- The Schmedling Rivalry & Revenge: After losing by a majority decision to Sarah Schmedling in September 1997, Dutra actually avenged her defeat. On November 12, 1998, she beat Schmedling via a four-round unanimous decision in Worley, Idaho.
The Rematches with Marissa Fox: Dutra fought Marissa Fox twice, losing both times by 6-round decisions (once earlier in her career and once in a rematch on March 19, 1999).
The Lucia Rijker Bout: On September 28, 1999, Dutra faced the highly regarded and undefeated Lucia Rijker in Las Vegas, suffering her first career knockout defeat in the third round.
The Final Title Shot: Despite her consecutive losses, the WIBF offered her a chance to reclaim her old vacant World Junior Welterweight title. On October 14, 2000, she traveled to Warsaw, Poland, to fight Agnieszka Rylik, where she was knocked out in the fourth round. This prompt her retirement.
Her Second Career: Hollywood Stuntwoman
Following her retirement from professional boxing, Dutra utilized her athletic background to build a successful career as a professional Hollywood stuntwoman and performer. She is a member of the Union of British Columbia Performers (U.B.C.P.). According to her IMDb Profile, she has done stunt work for several major blockbuster films and television shows:
- Paycheck (2003)
- I, Robot (2004)
- Fantastic Four (2005)
- Stargate Universe (where she also made a minor uncredited on-screen appearance as a Marine)
Personal Health Update
In November 2025, a public GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends and family to support Dutra as she underwent medical treatment for breast cancer. The campaign noted that as a self-employed stunt performer, the community rallied together to help provide financial relief while she focused on her recovery.
