For much of history, boxing was considered a sport dominated by men, with women struggling for recognition in the ring. However, in the last few decades, women’s boxing has witnessed a remarkable rise, breaking barriers and gaining mainstream popularity. Today, female fighters headline major events, secure lucrative endorsement deals, and inspire young athletes worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore the journey of women’s boxing, from its early struggles to its current status as a global phenomenon. We’ll also highlight some of the sport’s biggest stars who have played a pivotal role in shaping its future.
The History of Women’s Boxing: A Fight for Recognition
Women’s boxing has a long and tumultuous history, dating back to the 18th century. However, societal norms and institutional restrictions prevented female fighters from gaining the same recognition as their male counterparts.
Early Beginnings
The first recorded women’s boxing match took place in London in 1722 between Elizabeth Wilkinson and Hannah Hyfield. Wilkinson, known for her exceptional fighting ability, challenged opponents in bare-knuckle fights, often competing for prize money.
Despite these early displays of female boxing, the sport faced widespread disapproval. Many viewed it as improper for women, and by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most official boxing organizations outright banned women from competing.
The 20th Century: Slow but Steady Progress
In the early 1900s, women’s boxing remained on the fringes, often relegated to sideshow entertainment rather than serious competition. A major breakthrough came in the 1950s when Barbara Buttrick, a British boxer, became one of the first female fighters to gain international attention. She traveled the world showcasing her skills and advocating for women’s participation in the sport.
By the 1970s and 1980s, more women began challenging the system. Fighters like Cathy “Cat” Davis gained popularity in the United States, even appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. However, women’s boxing was still not sanctioned at major levels, and opportunities remained limited.
The 1990s and 2000s: Breaking Barriers
The 1990s marked a turning point. In 1993, USA Boxing officially sanctioned women’s amateur boxing, allowing female fighters to compete at a national level. Soon after, professional women’s boxing began to rise, with stars like Christy Martin and Laila Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali) bringing the sport into the mainstream.
Martin’s 1996 fight against Deirdre Gogarty on a Mike Tyson undercard is widely credited with putting women’s boxing in the spotlight. Laila Ali, with her famous last name and incredible skills, further legitimized the sport, paving the way for future generations.
The Rise of Women’s Boxing in the 21st Century
The 2012 London Olympics marked a historic moment for women’s boxing, as it was included in the Games for the first time. Fighters like Nicola Adams, Claressa Shields, and Katie Taylor captured global attention, proving that women’s boxing was here to stay.
Since then, the sport has grown tremendously. Major boxing promotions now feature female fights as main events, and governing bodies have increased the number of weight divisions and world titles available to women.
Biggest Stars in Women’s Boxing Today
Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest names in women’s boxing who have helped propel the sport to new heights.
1. Claressa Shields (USA) – “The GWOAT”
Claressa Shields is one of the most dominant fighters in women’s boxing history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016) and multiple-division world champion, Shields has earned the title of “The GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time).
She became the first boxer (male or female) to hold all four major belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) in two different weight classes simultaneously. Known for her technical skills, speed, and confidence, Shields has played a crucial role in elevating women’s boxing.
2. Katie Taylor (Ireland) – The Undisputed Lightweight Champion
Katie Taylor is one of the most decorated female boxers of all time. A former Olympic gold medalist (2012), Taylor turned professional in 2016 and quickly became a world champion.
She made history in 2019 by becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, holding all four major belts in the division. Her thrilling rivalry with Amanda Serrano in 2022, which headlined Madison Square Garden, was a landmark moment for the sport, proving that women’s boxing could generate massive fan interest.
3. Amanda Serrano (Puerto Rico) – Multi-Division Champion
Amanda Serrano is one of the most versatile and accomplished female boxers in history. She has won world titles in an astonishing seven weight divisions, showcasing her ability to compete at different weight classes.
Her fight against Katie Taylor in 2022 was the first women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden, breaking viewership and attendance records. Serrano has also ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA), further proving her incredible combat sports talent.
4. Seniesa Estrada (USA) – The Fast and Furious Fighter
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada is one of the most exciting fighters in women’s boxing. A multiple-weight world champion, Estrada is known for her speed, aggressive style, and knockout power.
She made headlines in 2020 by scoring one of the fastest knockouts in boxing history just seven seconds into the fight! Estrada continues to rise as one of the top stars in the sport.
5. Savannah Marshall (UK) – The Power Puncher
Savannah Marshall is known for her exceptional punching power, earning her a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in women’s boxing. The former WBO middleweight champion gained massive attention for her rivalry with Claressa Shields, whom she fought in an undisputed title bout in 2022.
Her ability to deliver devastating knockouts has made her a must-watch fighter in the sport.
The Future of Women’s Boxing
With growing media coverage, increased sponsorship opportunities, and thrilling rivalries, women’s boxing is in its golden era. Promotions like Matchroom Boxing, Top Rank, and Premier Boxing Champions are investing more in female fighters, ensuring that the sport continues to grow.
More Opportunities and Equal Pay
One of the biggest challenges for women’s boxing has been equal pay compared to male fighters. However, with the success of major fights like Taylor vs. Serrano, the gap is beginning to close. More promoters and networks are recognizing the commercial value of women’s boxing, leading to better financial opportunities for female fighters.
Young Talent on the Rise
The next generation of women’s boxing is already making waves. Fighters like Alycia Baumgardner, Ebanie Bridges, and Skye Nicolson are gaining attention and adding depth to the sport. With new talent emerging worldwide, the future looks incredibly bright.
Growing Fan Support
Thanks to streaming services and social media, fans have better access to women’s boxing than ever before. Fighters are using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to promote their fights, build their brands, and engage with supporters. This increased visibility is helping women’s boxing reach new audiences globally.
Women’s boxing has come a long way from its early struggles to its current status as a respected and exciting sport. With trailblazers like Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano leading the way, female fighters are proving they belong in the ring just as much as their male counterparts. As the sport grows, more young girls will be inspired to lace up their gloves and chase their dreams. The future of women’s boxing is brighter than ever, and fans can expect even more historic moments in the years to come.
Are you a fan of women’s boxing? Who’s your favorite female fighter? Let us know in the comments!
