[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19398]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE OF MARIBEL ZURITA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the athletic excellence 
of Maribel Zurita.
  Maribel Zurita made her pro boxing debut on July 31, 2001, in San 
Antonio, the city where she was born and raised. San Antonio still 
serves as her base, and she continues to train in the area. Maribel 
held the IFBA Flyweight title from 2004 to 2005.
  Aptly nicknamed ``Little Thunder,'' Zurita more than makes up for her 
smaller size through a fierce tenacity and effervescent energy in the 
ring. She possesses a unique combination of grace and toughness which, 
when complemented by her skill and agility, make her a formidable 
opponent.
  Maribel has succeeded in raising the profile of an industry so often 
dominated by men through her charismatic style and charm. She wins over 
fans of all ages and nationalities with ease. Zurita brings a 
professional attitude and a commitment to sportsmanship, 
characteristics that are all too often absent in many aspects of 
today's professional athletics.
  I am honored to recognize Maribel Zurita for her remarkable success 
in athletics and beyond. Her work ethic and dedication provide an 
outstanding example for any aspiring athlete.

                          ____________________