The Rise of Women’s Boxing: A Historic Journey
CHRISTY Martin might not have been the first prominent female boxer, but her victory over Ireland’s Deirdre Gogarty at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas nearly 30 years ago marked a pivotal moment for the sport.
This landmark fight showcased women’s boxing on a major stage, illustrating to the boxing world that women could deliver thrilling, hard-hitting bouts — even those that were bloody and competitive.
Despite earlier figures like Cathy ‘Cat’ Davis, who made the cover of The Ring magazine in the 1970s, and Jane Couch, a British women’s boxing pioneer in the 1990s, it was the Martin vs Gogarty match that gave women’s boxing the global attention it desperately needed. An estimated 1.1 million viewers tuned in for Martin’s fight during the Tyson vs Bruno PPV event.
Following her win, Christy graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, headlined with “The Lady is a Champ,” signifying a major breakthrough for women’s boxing. She became a regular feature on TV talk shows and was often included in major fight cards promoted by Don King.
Although Richard Hoffer wrote about her skills with a hint of skepticism, using terms like “disquieting,” he acknowledged her significant talent in the ring. Martin herself stated that she wasn’t out to make a statement for women in boxing; rather, she aimed to forge her own path.
Other notable female fighters gained recognition for their abilities, like Lucia Rijker from the Netherlands, who would have made for a monumental matchup with Martin had it occurred. Despite their rivalry, the anticipated fight never materialized, and Rijker ultimately retired unbeaten.
A New Era: Well-Matched Fights and Emerging Stars
Fast forward to today, and we see a vastly improved landscape for women’s boxing, with high-quality, well-matched fights becoming the norm. Notable current fighters include Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, and many more. The sport’s evolution has reached the point where women’s bouts headline events at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden, as seen with the Taylor vs Serrano fight in 2022.
This newfound prominence has also paved the way for enthralling narratives, such as boxing siblings Gabriela and Sebastian Fundora, and the remarkable comeback of Holly Holm at age 43. Despite her lengthy absence from boxing, Holm recently returned and exhibited impressive skills in her latest fight.
With numerous emerging talents, such as the dynamic Beatriz Ferreira and the promising 18-year-old Tiah Mai Ayton, alongside veterans like Ashleyann Lozada and Japan’s Mizuki Hiruta, the future of women’s boxing looks exceptionally bright. We are witnessing the sport’s maturation as it finally earns the respect and recognition it deserves.
Conclusion: From Skepticism to Acceptance
While there were skeptics like Bert Randolph Sugar, who expressed doubts about the sport in earlier years, the advancements in women’s boxing over the past two decades are undeniable. One can hardly imagine he would still hold similar views today, given the remarkable progress made by female athletes in this once-niche realm.
