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The Rise of Women’s Professional Boxing: From Trailblazers to Titans
MCT

Women’s professional boxing has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Once marginalized and overlooked, it has now emerged as a prominent and respected sport, captivating audiences worldwide. This evolution is the result of relentless pioneers, groundbreaking fights, and a new generation of talented athletes pushing the boundaries of the sport.

This dramatic shift represents not just a change in public perception, but a fundamental restructuring of how the boxing industry approaches gender equality, marketability, and athletic recognition of female fighters.

Women’s Boxing Trailblazers

The journey of women’s boxing to mainstream acceptance began with trailblazers who defied societal norms and fought for recognition.

  • Christy Martin (49-7-3, 32 KOs): Dubbed “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Martin gained national attention in the 1990s, especially after her 1996 bout on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno. Her aggressive style and resilience brought women’s boxing into the spotlight. These days, Martin runs her own promotional outfit and is the subject of an upcoming movie about her tumultuous life. A documentary already available on Netflix called Untold: Deal With the Devil  details her miraculous survival after her husband/manager attempted to murder her after she told him she was going to leave him.
  • Laila Ali (24-0, 21 KOs): Laila, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, carved her own legacy with an undefeated record and multiple world titles. Her charisma and skill attracted a new audience to women’s boxing.
  • Lucia Rijker (17-0, 14 KOs): Often referred to as “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World,” Rijker’s dominance in the ring and her role in the film Million Dollar Baby showcased the potential of female boxers.
  • Mary Kom (113-16, 18 KOs Amateur Record): Hailing from India, Kom is a six-time world amateur boxing champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. Her achievements inspired countless women in Asia and beyond to pursue boxing.

Modern Women’s Boxing Champions Making Headlines

Today’s women’s boxing scene is vibrant, with athletes achieving historic milestones and captivating fans globally.

  • Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) vs. Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) Trilogy: This intense rivalry has been monumental for women’s boxing. Their first bout in 2022 at Madison Square Garden was a sell-out, and the trilogy is set to conclude on July 11th, 2025. The second fight’s inclusion on the undercard of Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson helped draw massive viewership and solidify their places in women’s boxing history. A controversial headbutt from Taylor opening a massive cut over Serrano’s eye and widespread streaming glitches on Netflix pretty much guaranteed this third fight between these two legends of women’s boxing.
  • Chantelle Cameron (20-1, 8 KOs): After a challenging 2024, Cameron revitalized her career by signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Her next fight will see her battle Jessica Camara (14-4-1, 3 KOs) for the WBC Interim World Super Lightweight Title.
  • Gabriela Fundora (16-0, 8 KOs): At just 22, Fundora became the youngest undisputed flyweight champion in the four-belt era after defeating Gabriela Celeste Alaniz in November 2024. Her performance earned her the honor of being named 2024 Female Boxer of the Year by both The Ring and ESPN.
  • Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs): Known as “T-Rex,” Shields made history by becoming a four-division world champion after winning two gold medals in the Olympics. In July 2024, she secured a second-round knockout against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, capturing the WBC heavyweight title. She how holds four World Heavyweight Championship belts, and she’ll be putting them all on the line against Lani Daniels (11-2, 1 KO) in Detroit on July 26, 2025.
  • Lauren Price (9-0, 2 KOs): The Welsh boxer unified the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight titles by defeating Natasha Jonas in March 2025. Her rapid ascent in the professional ranks underscores her exceptional talent.
  • Terri Harper (16-2, 2 KOs): Harper retained her WBO lightweight title in May 2025 with a unanimous decision over Natalie Zimmermann. She’s beaten two straight undefeated fighters and is ranked #5 in the world at lightweight.

Recent Women’s Boxing Fights Garnering Attention

Several bouts in recent years have elevated women’s boxing, drawing significant media coverage and fan interest.

  • Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman: In 2024, Nicolson defended her WBC featherweight title against Chapman in the first-ever women’s world title fight in Saudi Arabia. Nicolson’s technical prowess earned her the Performance of the Year award.
  • Sandy Ryan vs. Mikaela Mayer: Their 2024 clash was lauded as the Fight of the Year. Despite facing adversity, including a non-violent attack just hours before the fight, Ryan delivered a stellar performance against Mayer. Their second match proved to be much more one-sided with Mayer easily winning a unanimous decision.
  • Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin: In December 2024, Jonas secured a unanimous decision over Habazin, setting the stage for her unification bout with Lauren Price.

Role of Promotions and Media in Women’s Boxing

The growth of women’s boxing has been bolstered by increased support from promoters and media platforms.

  • Most Valuable Promotions (MVP): Founded by Jake Paul, MVP has been instrumental in promoting women’s boxing. By signing top talents like Chantelle Cameron and Dina Thorslund, MVP has provided female boxers with greater visibility and opportunities. Most recently, Holly Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) left the UFC to return to boxing and landed with MVP Promotions to manage her return to the Sweet Science.
  • Streaming Platforms: Major fights, including the Taylor vs. Serrano trilogy, have been streamed on platforms like Netflix, reaching wider audiences and demonstrating the commercial viability of women’s boxing.

Women’s Boxing: Looking Ahead

The trajectory of women’s professional boxing is undeniably upward. With a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents, the sport is poised for continued growth. The increased investment from promoters, coupled with broader media coverage, ensures that women’s boxing will remain in the limelight. As societal perceptions continue to evolve, and with the unwavering determination of its athletes, women’s boxing is not just gaining acceptance—it’s thriving.

This article first appeared on MMA Sucka and was syndicated with permission.

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