Women’s boxing has traveled a long and hard road to get to where it is today—a respected and global powerhouse in the world of sports. From overcoming societal prejudices to smashing through legal barriers, women have fought for the right to step into the ring and prove their skill and determination.
In the early days of boxing, women were largely relegated to the sidelines, seen more as spectacle than serious athletes. Fast forward to the present, and women like Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor have shown that they are just as talented, determined, and capable as their male counterparts. This is the story of how women’s boxing evolved, broke barriers, and finally made its mark on the world.
Early Days: Fighting for Recognition
Women’s boxing has existed for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that it began to gain a foothold as a serious sport. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, female fighters were often treated as novelties or entertainment for the crowd. Instead of being valued for their athletic prowess, these women were often mocked, and their matches were considered sideshows.
However, as early as the 1920s, a few brave pioneers like Barbara Buttrick, also known as “The Mighty Atom of the Ring,” were determined to break down the doors of this male-dominated sport. Buttrick, only 4’11” and fighting in the 1950s, is considered one of the first recognized female boxing champions. But even with her incredible skill and determination, women’s boxing still struggled to gain legitimacy.
The most significant barrier was legal. For decades, female boxing was not sanctioned by most athletic commissions, meaning women had very few opportunities to compete at a professional level. The journey to recognition was slow and fraught with obstacles, but the women who fought for the sport’s legitimacy laid the groundwork for future generations.
The Turning Point: Gaining Acceptance in the 1990s
The 1990s saw the tide begin to turn in favor of women’s boxing. Two critical factors were at play: the sanctioning of female boxing in several states and the emergence of media attention on female fighters.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics became a significant moment, not because women’s boxing was included (it wasn’t), but because of the buzz that surrounded the women’s boxing exhibition. This brought awareness to the need for proper recognition of female fighters on the world stage.
At the same time, athletes like Christy Martin were paving the way in the professional arena. Martin, often referred to as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” gained national attention when she fought on the undercard of major men’s boxing events, even appearing on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Her fights were fast-paced and hard-hitting, and she quickly became a fan favorite. It was clear—women’s boxing had the talent, and it was ready for the spotlight.
The late 1990s and early 2000s also saw the rise of other influential fighters, such as Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali. Laila’s entry into the sport brought immense visibility to women’s boxing, and her undefeated career further demonstrated that women could be just as dominant and skilled as men in the ring.
The Rise of Global Stars: Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor
In the 2010s, women’s boxing began to achieve a level of recognition and respect that had been unthinkable just a few decades earlier. Two fighters, in particular, stand out for having transformed the sport into a global powerhouse: Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor.
Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, has shattered records and expectations in professional boxing. Shields became the first American boxer, male or female, to win consecutive gold medals in Olympic boxing. Her aggressive, hard-hitting style has earned her multiple world titles across several weight classes, and she is often referred to as the “GWOAT”—Greatest Woman of All Time. Shields’ success in the ring, coupled with her outspoken personality, has brought much-needed attention to women’s boxing.
Meanwhile, Katie Taylor, hailing from Ireland, is another phenomenal fighter who has carried the sport into new heights. Taylor, a former amateur standout and Olympic gold medalist, has taken the professional boxing world by storm. Known for her fast hands, incredible footwork, and relentless determination, Taylor has become a world champion across multiple weight divisions. Her 2019 fight against Delfine Persoon, a battle for the undisputed lightweight title, was regarded as one of the best fights of the year, male or female.
A Bright Future
From the early days of side-show matches to the sold-out arenas of today, women’s boxing has come a long way. Fighters like Christy Martin, Laila Ali, Claressa Shields, and Katie Taylor have proven that women are just as capable, talented, and thrilling to watch as their male counterparts. As more opportunities arise and support continues to grow, the future of women’s boxing looks incredibly bright.
As the sport continues to evolve, it’s not just about winning belts anymore—it’s about changing perceptions. Women’s boxing is no longer fighting for recognition; it’s fighting for legacy. And with champions like Shields and Taylor leading the way, the sport has cemented its place in history.
Just as with sports betting, women’s boxing is now a staple in the global sports landscape—breaking barriers and making history with every punch thrown.
