CHILE’S Daniela “Leona” Asenjo has revealed she was coerced into losing her IBO super flyweight world title rematch against Kazakhstan’s Angelina Lukas, 15-1 (8 KOs), on May 31 in Taraz, Kazakhstan. Officially, Asenjo retired in the sixth round due to a back injury, but the Valdivian and her coach, Alejandro Concha, allege they faced death threats to ensure Lukas’s victory.
Known for her tenacity, Asenjo, 17-5-3 (2 KOs), fought through a broken sternum against women’s number one flyweight Gabriella Fundora in 2024, making her withdrawal suspicious to her KO Club teammates. Five days after the fight, Asenjo and Concha told Grupo Diario Sur a harrowing story. The fight promoter, an Azerbaijani, visited their hotel room, nervously placing dollars on Asenjo’s bed. Using a phone translator, he warned, “Asenjo isn’t going to win today, no way,” later writing, “If he wins, my life is in danger. They’re going to cut my throat, and you won’t be able to leave Kazakhstan.”
The ordeal began with a gruelling 50-hour journey, including a delayed flight and an unexpected detour through Uzbekistan, which Concha suspects was deliberate. In Taraz, irregularities mounted: Asenjo was denied access to inspect Lukas’s gloves, and Concha was barred from supervising her bandages. Security personnel shadowed them, one even assisting Concha during the fight.
Asenjo fought cautiously, landing punches that could have ended the bout but held back, fearing for their safety. “All we wanted was to get that fight over with and return to Chile,” Concha said. The pair rejected an IBO-offered rematch, wanting no further dealings with those involved.
Asenjo expressed frustration at the lack of support from Chilean authorities, relying instead on Argentina’s consul in Russia for guidance. “It’s infuriating that in Chile, the effort one makes isn’t appreciated,” Concha told Grupo Diario Sur. Asenjo called for better support for athletes.
