Nancy Moreira, a prominent figure in women's boxing from Cape Verde, has set her sights on achieving new heights at the upcoming IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš, Serbia. The 37-year-old athlete has already made significant strides, reaching the quarterfinals in both the 2022 and 2023 championships. Her journey began in Istanbul, where she faced tough competition but managed to advance through several rounds before being eliminated by Canada’s Charlie Cavanagh. In 2023, she repeated her success in New Delhi, advancing to the quarterfinals once again. Despite these setbacks, Moreira remains optimistic about her chances in Serbia, aiming not just for another quarterfinal appearance but for a spot in the finals. She is currently ranked second in the world and sees herself as one of the top contenders. With focused preparation and unwavering determination, Moreira believes she can overcome the formidable Asian and European competitors who have dominated previous tournaments.

Moreira's boxing career took off relatively late; she only started competing at the age of 23 under the influence of her brother-in-law. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she secured a bronze medal at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco, marking Cape Verde’s sole medal win. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill. Reflecting on her experiences, Moreira recalls the challenges of competing without her coach during her debut in Istanbul. Nevertheless, she persevered, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. In New Delhi, she was accompanied by her husband and coach, Jorge Silva, who has been instrumental in her development over the past decade. Together, they run a gym in Portugal, balancing their business with Moreira's rigorous training schedule.

The couple attributes much of Moreira's success to her continuous desire to learn and refine her techniques. Silva notes that Moreira is always eager to improve, which has significantly contributed to her rapid ascent in the sport. As they prepare for the 2025 championships, the duo is confident that Moreira can bridge the gap between herself and the leading boxers from Asia and Europe. While acknowledging the technical prowess of her rivals, Moreira firmly believes that African fighters possess the physical strength to challenge their dominance. She views the upcoming tournament as an opportunity for Africa to make a strong statement on the global stage.

Moreira's dedication to boxing extends beyond personal ambition; she credits the International Boxing Association (IBA) for providing financial incentives that help sustain her career. The prize money offered by IBA tournaments plays a crucial role in motivating athletes like Moreira to continue competing. She expresses gratitude for the organization's efforts to recognize the importance of financial support for boxers' futures. Looking ahead, Moreira plans to remain active in the sport until she reaches the age of 40, driven by her passion and the ongoing support from her team and the IBA. Her journey from a late starter to a world-class boxer exemplifies perseverance and the potential for growth in the sport of boxing.