Norj Guro, a professional boxer who once faced online ridicule for her appearance, has transformed adversity into advocacy.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) recognized her achievements by selecting her to represent professional female athletes during the 50th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“As one of the outstanding female athletes in the field of non-traditionally female sports, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has chosen Ms. Norj Guro, professional boxer, to be the representative… Mabuhay ka, Norj Guro! Your story inspires us all. Ipinagmamalaki ka ng GAB at ng lahat ng kababaihan,” stated GAB in an official announcement on social media.
Guro, the former Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) world atomweight champion, previously faced online bullying following her fight against Camilla Zamorano in October 2022 in Hermosillo, Mexico, for the WBC International atomweight title. Despite her loss by unanimous decision, the mother of two has emerged as a symbol of courage and perseverance.
In her heartfelt speech at the PCW event, Guro shared that her greatest challenges lay not in the ring but in overcoming personal pain and public scrutiny.
“Sometimes, the most painful battles are not inside the boxing ring but outside of it. I have experienced words that broke my heart. One time, I saw hurtful comments online and was bullied about my appearance during my last fight in Mexico. People mocked me and laughed at how I looked. But I chose to rise above those hurtful words,” she said.
Adding to her challenges, Guro revealed that she was still mourning the loss of her young son, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a mother of two, I have faced many challenges. One of the hardest was losing my child in 2021 due to COVID-19. That loss was devastating and broke me in ways I can’t even explain, but it also made me stronger. Now, every fight I take is dedicated to my son,” she shared.
Despite these hardships, Guro carries her country’s flag with pride, advocating for the respect and recognition of women in sports.
“Every fight, every win, I carry the name of the Philippines with pride and advocate for the recognition and respect of women in sports. To those who judge, especially when it comes to women in sports, remember this: Your words have power. When you criticize, you overlook the hard work and sacrifices behind every achievement. Sports are about heart, discipline, and effort—qualities that all athletes deserve respect for.”