Only three of her seventeen bouts were held outside the Northwest United States area, however, a fact that might have prevented her from becoming a larger celebrity.
On November 29, 1995, she beat Carol Stinson by a decision in four rounds in Washington, marking her professional boxing debut.
Disappointed about the outcome of that fight, Riley retired from boxing for some time, a fact that would later prove vital in a rematch.
Arnold became world champion when she outpointed Draine over ten rounds, taking a split decision victory.
Arnold had two more wins before deciding to retire, but they were both significant because of different reasons: on April 1, 1998, she achieved another first round knockout, this time over Deanna Wyman, in Worley.