Veronika Dmitriyeva is an inspiring story of courage and resilience. Dubbed the “Russian Bomb” for her remarkable success at competing professionally in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship matches, she has now taken her skills to the pro boxing ring- determined to conquer every obstacle that stands in her way.} Despite the perils she has faced throughout her life- such as kidnapping and survivor of sexual assault- Veronika perseveres and has become a source of support and inspiration to many. She initially came to SlapHappy Combat Sports founder Paul Valdez looking to defend herself through learning self-defense, but it soon transformed into something much bigger as she took on the world with her remarkable strength and determination.
Veronika Dmitriyeva is an inspiring example of strength and determination. She has been dubbed the “Russian Bomb” in recognition of her remarkable feat in becoming the first ever amateur to fight in a professional Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship match, despite eventually falling to the No. 1 contender. Her second professional match was in pro boxing, this time with gloves. Despite facing challenges outside of the ring, Veronika has persevered and is determined to continue making strides in her chosen sport.
At the age of four, Veronika and her sister were kidnapped by the Russian government while their parents were away. Despite being subjected to torturous experiments such as waterboarding through oxygen masks, Veronika courageously took on her part of the suffering so her younger sibling would not have to endure it. In addition, she suffered sexual assault multiple times during her childhood in Russia, which had a lasting effect on her later life. Through it all, she never lost hope and eventually found solace in SlapHappy Combat Sports founder Paul Valdez in 2014. Now known as the “Russian Bomb”, Veronika is a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating both physical and mental strength in the face of adversity.
She proudly recounts how she bravely told Paul that she wanted to learn self-defense and be able to defend herself should the need arise.
Dmitriyeva was determined to find her biological family despite the Russian government’s lies, and used the money earned from joining the U.S. Army to do so. She has met many relatives via webcam, though some of them are in poor health. When confronting her own siblings for the first time, she was amazed at how similar they looked to her – an experience that was initially quite intimidating.
Today, Dmitriyeva is a proud and positive role model in the community. She volunteers at a church in Ranchester, offering her kind-hearted support to those who need it most. Her experiences have made her a gentle person with an immense respect for life, and she is always willing to help out her neighbor. Despite her involvement in combat sports, which is a niche in Sheridan County, she exudes confidence and radiates positivity.
Recently, she was seen in practice Wednesday evening assisting and motivating two teens who will compete in their first boxing matches this weekend in Colorado. She is an outstanding example of resilience and strength, and even more impressive is her determination to excel in her craft. Dmitriyeva and Valdez will soon travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a professional boxing match where she will face Felice Herrig on July 22.
Veronika’s incredible resilience and determination in the face of relentless adversity is a lesson to us all, that anything is possible – regardless of the odds. Blending her God-given talent and intuition with a deep desire for self-improvement, she dedicates her physique to continual learning and growth. She has undeniably come a long way since her time in Russia, making considerable progress towards earning her spot as the strongest fighter both inside and outside the ring. Veronika is a shining example to thank for reminding us of the enduring power of hope, promise, and dedication in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Eloquently speaking of her strength and courage in “torturous experiments which had a lasting effect on her later life”; we recognise the extent her inner champion displays her greater fighting spirit. A true warrior off and on the mat, Veronika Dmitria is an inspiring example of self-belief.
