In the dynamic world of boxing, a significant shift is taking place, led by formidable female athletes the likes of Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor Christy Martin and more. In this article we explore and celebrate the extraordinary women who are not just competing in boxing but are actively reshaping its landscape.
Breaking Barriers: The History of Women in Boxing
The journey of women in boxing has been one of determination and grit. From battling legal and cultural barriers to gaining recognition in international and Olympic arenas, female boxers have come a long way. Trailblazers like Claressa Shields and Christy Martin broke stereotypes, paving the way for future generations.
Earlier this year, Katie Taylor headlined an unprecedented fight against Amanda Serrano at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York. On Saturday (October 15), it was Claressa Shields’ turn to play the trailblazer for the sport as she sold out London’s O2 Arena in a headline fight against bitter rival Savannah Marshall on a card that was entirely devoted to women’s boxing. Selling 20,000 tickets is no easy feat, with most male boxers unlikely to get close to a sell-out in a stadium of that size, offering a true reflection of how much momentum women’s boxing finds itself with.
Spotlight on Legendary Female Boxing Champions
Claressa Shields: "T-Rex" of the Ring
Claressa Shields has made an indelible mark in women's boxing. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic gold medals, Shields has shattered ceilings in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. Her remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to global stardom has inspired countless young women.
She is now self-proclaimed ‘GWOAT’ (Greatest Woman of All Time), and she began with Olympic success at both the 2012 and 2016 games. Shields currently holds the record for becoming a two and three-weight world champion in the fewest professional fights. Her success has made her one of only 3 boxers in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO, in two weight classes.
Katie Taylor: Ireland's Pride and Boxing's Gem
Katie Taylor, an Irish powerhouse, has not only won multiple lightweight titles but also an Olympic gold medal. Taylor's combination of speed, skill, and heart has elevated women's boxing to new heights. Her exciting style and relentless pursuit of greatness have drawn new fans to the sport.
After winning the WBA lightweight title in 2017 and the IBF title the following year, her unification victory over Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Garden made her the eighth boxer in history (female or male) to hold all four major world titles in boxing—IBF, WBA,WBC, and WBO—simultaneously. In November 2023 she repeated this feat, beating Chantelle Cameron in Dublin for the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, re-gaining the latter she initially won from Christina Linardatou in 2019.
Christy Martin: The Coal Miner's Daughter
Christy Martin broke into the mainstream, bringing women's boxing to wider audiences in the 1990s. Her fight against Deirdre Gogarty is often credited with putting female boxing on the sports map. Martin's tenacity and skill helped pave the way for the acceptance of women in the sport.
The Rising Stars of Women's Boxing
The future of women's boxing shines bright with rising stars like Seniesa Estrada, known for her lightning-fast combinations, and Mikaela Mayer, whose tactical prowess in the super featherweight division is unmatched. These athletes are not just winning fights; they're winning hearts and changing the narrative of women in boxing.
The Impact of Female Boxers Beyond the Ring
Beyond their athletic achievements, these women are champions of change. They advocate for equal pay, better fight opportunities, and more media coverage. Their success is inspiring a new generation of girls to lace up gloves and step into the ring, proving that boxing isn't just a man's sport.
Conclusion
Women in boxing are not just participants; they are pioneers and game-changers. Their journey is about more than titles and belts; it's about breaking barriers and redefining what is possible in the sport. As they continue to challenge norms and excel, the future of boxing looks brighter than ever.
Who among them inspires you the most? Let us know on Instagram @powaboxing
Below we have put together a boxing workout inspired by Claressa Shields. Give it a try:
| Phase | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-Up | 10 minutes | - Jump Rope: Basic bounce, alternate foot steps, double-unders. |
| - Dynamic Stretching: Leg swings, arm circles, torso twists. | ||
| Strength Training | 20 minutes | - Push-Ups: Standard and diamond push-ups for upper body strength. |
| - Squats: Standard and jump squats for lower body power. | ||
| - Planks: Standard and side planks for core stability. | ||
| Boxing Drills | 20 minutes | - Shadow Boxing: Practice punching combinations with foot movement. |
| - Heavy Bag Work: Power and speed combinations, focusing on technique and footwork. | ||
| - Speed Bag Training: Improve rhythm and hand-eye coordination. | ||
| Conditioning | 10 minutes | - HIIT: Burpees, mountain climbers, sprinting in place for high-intensity intervals. |
| Cool Down | 10 minutes | - Light Jogging/Walking: Gradual heart rate decrease. |
| - Static Stretching: Focus on arms, legs, and back to reduce muscle soreness. |
