PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) - Joining legends like Larry Doby and Victor Cruz, a new champion is added to the annals of Paterson history: Shadasia Green, new WBO Female Super Middleweight World Champion.
"Honestly it just makes me want to strive for more," said Green.
In an undercard fight in Friday's Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout on Netflix, the fighter known as "The Sweet Terminator" defeated opponent Melinda Watpool by split decision for the title.
"It's something about winning your first world title where you just want them to have some company, some different color belts," said Green.
She didn't have to wait long to add to her trophy collection. On Thursday, Mayor Andre Sayegh honored the Paterson native with a Key to the City, joined by family and supporters and of course, her trainers.
Frankie Jones is one of Green's trainers. He's been working with her since she was 15, helping to take her from sparring sessions in dimly-lit gyms to the site of her first world title at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
"It means everything," said Jones. "That's all we've been working for."
He said at peak, around 10 million people were watching her fight, on top of the more than 70,000 people in the crowd.
"She's the hardest worker I know," said Jones. "I'm just proud we made history."
"Paterson is home," said Green. "Paterson will always be home. I love Paterson. I take Paterson in the ring with me."
