Jennifer “The Razor” Barber grew up as the middle child in a family of four girls. She has two old sisters P.J, Tammy and a younger sister Linnae. They were all raised in Southern California by their deaf parents, Victoria Graffius and Jean Barber. Jennifer’s journey into athletics began when she was just six years old. At this time her parents enrolled her and her sisters Tammy and Linnae into ukidokan martial arts. She would attend martial arts class everyday after school with her sisters. They were required to attend class to help teach them discipline and self defense. As a result of being at the gym for many hours, Jennifer was able to learn judo, jiu-jitsu, kenpo karate and kickboxing. On the weekends her father, who has a black belt, would take his three girls out for 5:00 a.m. morning runs, followed by a series of push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups workout. This training regimen continued on for years earning Jennifer many awards and trophies in various Karate competitions. It also propelled Jennifer to have a successful high school basketball and track career.

          As a 19 year-old college student, one day Jennifer was flipping through the television channels. She soon embarks on a female boxing match that amazed her. She was so fixated at the combat sport that she knew immediately that this sport was what she should be doing. This prompted Jennifer to go back to her childhood martial arts gym. This is where she met boxing trainer, Stan Ward. He is known by many as “Coach,” he was a former Heavyweight standout who won the California State Heavyweight Champion during his impressive career. He was training amateur and professional boxers at the gym. After seeing Jennifer, Coach put her through a series of workouts. It was here where he witnessed her potential and agreed to train her. This partnership would travel the two of them across the United States for the next four years competing in various amateur tournaments. During her time as amateur, Jennifer was able to become the National Golden Gloves Champion in 2003 and National PAL Champion in 2005; earning “Best Boxer” awards for both. In addition, Jennifer was awarded the “Boxer of the Month” by U.S.A. Boxing twice, once in August 2003 and another in October 2005. During her amateur career Jennifer made a pact with her Coach that she wouldn’t turn professional until she graduated from college.

          So, in December of 2005, Jennifer earned her B.A degree from California State University of Northridge in Deaf Studies: Human Services. The transition to professional boxing came on March 30, 2007. Jennifer made her pro debut at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Ca, winning by unanimous decision against fellow pro debuter Alex Kumbala. Soon after, Jennifer quit her job as a Recreation Coordinator, working with teens, to focus all her attention on her pro career. In a year and a half Jennifer was able to compile a record of 7-0 (4 KO’s). She then earned herself an opportunity to vie for the NABF featherweight title. On September 20, 2008 in Denver, Colorado, Jennifer “The Razor” Barber was able capture the NABF featherweight title against Brooke Dierdorff. She dominated the fight knocking down Dierdorff to win by scores of 80-71 (twice) and 79-72. Jennifer then traveled to Saint-Quentin, Aisne, France to fight for the interim WBC Super Featherweight title. Jennifer put on a world class performance before barely losing by split-decision to Myriam Chomaz, 98-93, 94-96, and 95-96.

          Jennifer currently resides in Los Angeles with her high school sweetheart, Dax Grooms, whom are recent newlyweds. He supports her career by being apart of “Team Razor” as her assistant trainer. Other “Team Razor” members include her father Jean Barber and Dub Huntley, trainer of former female great Laila Ali. Jennifer currently trains at Gio’s Brooklyn boxing gym in Burbank, Ca with head trainer Coach Stan Ward. Jennifer’s current record stands at 8-1 (4 KO’s). Lastly, Jennifer received her fighting alias of “The Razor” for displaying razor sharp punching precision.

Name: Jennifer Barber                                                                                              Nickname: “The Razor”                                                                                     Weight: Featherweight                                                                                     Nationality: American                                                                                        Birthdate: September 14, 1982                                                                                    Birth Place: Van Nuys, CA                                                                                   Boxing Record: 9-1 (4 KO’s)