(DEC  22) Women’s Boxing has come a long way, from fighting for passbooks, to fighting for respect, money, and recognition. Respect has been a long time need from fans, matchmakers, promoters. We have been fighting many other opponents other than the ones across the ring for decades.

Recently I have seen a new obstacle we must just for equality, and it is within our own selves. Many of today’s and yesterday’s fighters are not promoting nor helping each other out and giving each other their due respect. Who is to blame? The media, influential managers, the brutal sport, the lack of respect, or their arrogant selves?

Nell Saunders and Rose Harland supposedly fought for a silver butter dish in 1876 at Hills Theater in NYC. This was considered the first woman’s match in the United States. Years following in 1954, Barbara Buttrick was the first female to be broadcasted on national television. After an ongoing lawsuit in the state of New York in 1976, three high-profile women boxers, Cathy “Cat” Davis, Jackie Tonawanda, and Marian “Lady Tyger” Trimiar became some of the few first women to receive their boxing licenses. Boxer Pat Pineda is the first woman to be licensed in California in 1978.

Have times really changed? We are seeing a relapse of what seems to be professional women fighting for justice and respect. In 1987, former World Women’s Lightweight Marian “Lady Tyger” Trimiar staged a well-publicized month long hunger strike for the rights of women’s boxing and to advocate better money and conditions for professional female boxers. Will it take another strike and picket for women to get the respect they deserve today?  Link to Article on Ava Knight Official Website 

About the Author, Ava Knight: 3X IBF Flyweight Champion, and WBC Diamond Champion. 10(5)-1-3 Number 1ranked fighter in the Flyweight division. Advocate for woman’s boxing. Twitter @Ava_Knight www.facebook.com/officialavaknight  www.officialavaknight.com